The Flock Under His Care

Leviticus 1.1-13



There is a marked difference between a flock and a herd, between sheep and cattle and other live stock (like oxen).


Cattle are driven. Sheep must be led. Sheep are made to follow.



In Luke 12.32 Jesus said, "Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."


In Psalm 95.6-7


Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for He is our God and we are the people of His pasture,
the flock under His care.


The men of God, the leaders of Israel: Abraham, Joseph, Moses and David were shepherds when God called them. Our LORD Jesus is that Great Shepherd of the Sheep (Hebrews 13.20)

In Psalm 77.20 You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.



There have been a few books which I have read the past 50 years which I reread from time to time. One of them is a simple book entitled, The Minister As Shepherd. Delivered as lectures a hundred years ago by a pastor from the city, Charles E. Jefferson, there are timeless truths for the Christian Ministry in it pages. Throughout the New Testament the image of a pastor is that of a shepherd and his flock. The people of God are a flock under the care of the Great Shepherd, the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, under Him there are overseers of the flock.

Sheep are interesting animals. They are much like human beings in their behavior.
We are told about the relationship between the LORD and us in the 23rd Psalm.

The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall lack nothing.

I shall not want.

1. Christ Fulfills All the Needs in Our Lives.

Philippians 4.19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

The difference between a flock and a herd is amazing.

Sheep require the care of a shepherd.

David wrote is Psalm 23.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

A sheep will not lie down unless:

*They are free from all fear.

*They are free from friction with other sheep.

*They are free from torment of flies and parasites.

*They are free from hunger.

Jesus sets us absolutely free!

2. The LORD Restores Our Souls.

Psalm 23.3 He restores my soul. He is our shepherd. He is our Father in Heaven.

Psalm 103.13-14 As a Father has compassion on His children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.

Our Father in Heaven loves us deeply. His love is higher then the heavens (Psalm 108.4)

The word "formed" means pottery. We carry the treasure of salvation in an earthen vessel.

Jeremiah 18.4-5 the pot that he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping as it seemed best to him. Can I not do with you as the potter does to the clay? declares the LORD.

3. The LORD Jesus Anoints Us With His Spirit.

Psalm 23.5 You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

I John 2.20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.

Last week we spoke of Pentecost (Acts 2). In Acts 4.31 there was another infilling of the Holy Spirit to continue to serve the LORD.

Ephesians 5.18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit. In Acts 2 they accused the apostles of being drunk on too much wine. There are some similarities of being drunk and being filled with the Spirit:

*Truth comes out when you are filled with the Spirit (speaking it in love).

*Fear is dispelled when you are filled with the Spirit.

*Generosity abounds when a person is filled with the Spirit.

*The is a boldness that comes from being filled with the Spirit (What they were praying for in Acts 4.

He fills us with His Spirit, power from on high, to do His will, to live for Him.

You are the flock under His care. He loves you. He wants you to know these truths

and experience them this week.