Every 'sheep herder' or shepherd carries with him or her, the distinct smell of the sheep in which they care for. That's because they are intricately involved in their care and feeding. If a certain sheep was stuck or in danger, the shepherd would go put his arms around the frightened animal and rescue it. In Jesus' time, shepherds would bring their flocks together at night and build a pen around them for safety. There would be four or five different flocks inside of one pen. How did they sort them out? Easily. The next morning the shepherds would gather at the opening of the pen and as the sheep came out the shepherds would call to them. Every sheep recognized the voice of its shepherd and would automatically follow his voice. The sheep literally knew the voice of the one who took care of them.
We know that Jesus is the Great Shepherd. But we also use the term 'shepherd' for another person today: A pastor. I believe the greatest compliment that any pastor (shepherd) could ever receive is, "Pastor, you smell like the sheep." This has nothing to do with the olfactory sense mind you. But it's a statement that says, "Pastor thank you for being there for me - thank you for taking care of me - thank you for not be untouchable and unreachable - thank you for being a genuine friend." In the sports world have you ever heard of a "player's coach"? Well we need more "player's pastors", "sheep's shepherds" if you will.
What I would love to see today is the end of the professional minister. Those who care for a flock only because they love the pedestal of praise or who only care about the problems of the sheep when they're 'on the clock'. These are the ministers who insist that a pastor should never have close friends within his own congregation. How truly sad. Perhaps it's time that we stop giving credentials to those merely looking for recognition or a paycheck. Title and position seekers need not apply. To be an under shepherd for the Great Shepherd means that we have to smell like the sheep. Isn't that how Jesus smelled?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Tell me what you think