He noticed that majority of the folks that come to him for counselling were from other Churches. One day, he asked one of the counselees; “who’s your pastor and where is your home Church?” Her response startled him. She said, “Sir, you know we are sheep; we have been told to look for where to graze and keep grazing around.”

Friend, one of the greatest needs of man is the need for a shepherding voice and authority. This is why Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd; Peter referred to Him as the Chief Shepherd (John 10:11, 1 Peter 5:1-4). When Jesus saw the multitudes, His concern was nothing other than the absence of a shepherd in their lives (Matthew 9:35-36).

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). This is true in our world today. People do not need more teachers and preachers. They do not need more politicians, prophets or prayer contractors. What they need is shepherding.

Remember that Jesus had just finished an itinerant ministry teaching, preaching and healing people. He really had a great time of ministry. But he still realized that all of these cannot replace the ministry of a shepherd in their lives. The reason they fainted and were scattered abroad (looking for healings and helps) is because of the lack of a shepherd.

“And I will give you pastors according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15). You need to put first thing first; when the ministry of a shepherd in your life is established, all other things would begin to fall in place. The voice of a shepherd will prevent you from danger, bring stability to your life, give direction, bring health and wholeness, dissolve doubts and fears etc. (Psalms 23:1-6, Ezekiel 34:1-6, John 10:4-5).

There is a reason we are called sheep; it is not because we are stupid but because we follow leadership (John 10:14, 21:15-17, Hebrews 13:17). A sheep may look vulnerable but he has the greatest protection and provision. When God locates you under a shepherding authority, He has solved 99% of your problems in life. Don’t be a sheep without shepherd. Locate your sheepfold. Stop grazing here and there!

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria