CHRISTIAN SHEPHERDS,Open Wide Your Heart'!

"JEHOVAH is my Shepherd. I shall not lack nothing."  With those words, David expressed his complete confidence in his God.  Jehovah led him, spiritually speaking, to "grassy pastures" and "well-watered resting places," directing him  "in the track of righteousness." When surrounded by opposers, David received support and encouragement, prompting him to say to Jehovah:  "I fear nothing bad, for you are with me."  Having such a Supreme Shepherd, David was determined to "dwell in the house of Jehovah to the length of his days." -Psalm 23:1-6.

God's only-begotten Son also experienced the loving care of Jehovah, and he perfectly mirrored this care in his dealings with his disciples during his earthly sojourn.  The Scriptures therefore refer to him as "the fine shepherd," "the great shepherd," and "the chief shepherd." -John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 5:2-4.

Jehovah and Jesus Christ continue to shepherd those who love them.  Their shepherding funds expression, in part, in the loving provision of under shepherds in the congregation.  Paul addressed such under shepherds when he said:  "Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with eh blood of his own Son." -Acts 20:28.

Shepherding the flock in accordance with the pattern set by Jehovah and Christ Jesus is not easy task, but it is more vital now than ever before.  Think of the over one million Witnesses who have been baptized within the past three years! Such new ones do not have the spiritual background that come from years of activity.  Think, too, of those Witnesses who are still children or teenagers.  They need attention not only from their parents but also from the congregation's under shepherds.

Indeed, every Christian is subject to outside pressures, including peer pressure.  All must struggle to resist the strong pull to follow the world's path of self-indulgence.  In some countries, Kingdom publishers may be discourages because of the lack of response to their message.  Many publishers have serious  health problems.  Financial troubles may be robbing others of their incentive to seek the Kingdom first.  In truth, all of us -including those long in the truth-need and deserve the help of loving shepherds.

Next time: Proper Motivation

The Watchtower, 2000