If the church truly wants to create flocks of sheep that crave the presence of God then it must learn to shepherd or pastor as God Shepherds or pastors by not only loving people with the basics such as basic daily needs, but the entire person, soul and spirit as well. Psalm 23 is a picture of the Divine, loving Shepherd caring for his flock.

Why is this so huge for David, the Psalmist? Because the God we worship and serve cares more for us than we care for him…because our God’s actions on our behalf mirrors that of a shepherd…first for his sheep and then later for his honored, protected guests…as the Pashtunwali did for the Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell…setting the stage for Christ’s love…the Good Shepherd who gives his life to protect the sheep…

And as wow! a point as that is…here is an even greater one…notice how the psalm ends…v. 6…loyal love and faithfulness pursuing the psalmist in such a way that the psalmist passionately seeks to be in the presence of God…So what’s the application to us?

If we truly want to be agents of authentic Godspace to others, what kind of shepherd or pastors must we be? Like God…Pastor not just the body…not just the outside, but the inside…not just the stomach or tongue, but the mind, body and soul…or spirit…or heart…

Conclusion…

If this is true for our God, then it is also true for us—if we want to create disciples that passionately seek God, then we must learn to authentically care for others as God cares for us…Because the sheep know and you can’t fake love…

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