The church is first likened to a sheepfold, and then an army. Sheepfold represents love and care while the army teaches on responsibility. Let us consider the kinds of people that you find in the church using the picture of a sheepfold:

1) The Chief Shepherd: Jesus Christ is the chief shepherd and the Bishop and Shepherd of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). In every true church, the Chief Shepherd takes the preeminence. Anyone who seeks to put himself in a place of greater relevance and preeminence than Jesus is a thief and a robber.Today’s passage shows us five kinds of relationship every believer should have with the Chief Shepherd, namely:

1.Intimacy and Knowing: He wants you to learn of Him and know Him intimately. This is the priority of God in saving you, that you may have a living relationship with Him.

2.Leadership: He wants to lead you into His highest purpose for your life and He will accomplish this many times through your pastor.

3.Feeding the flock: God is particular about how His children turn out and He will always give you shepherds after His heart that will feed you with knowledge and understanding (Jeremiah 3:15).

4.Hearing: The written word of God introduces you to the Living Word and you must prioritize God’s word in order to have your spiritual ears attuned to the Lord’s voice.

5.Assignment: Your salvation and church membership should lead you to take up kingdom responsibility assigned to you by your pastor



PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I receive grace to relate properly with you as my Chief Shepherd, that I may know You the more this year in Jesus’ name. Amen.



BIBLE IN A YEAR: Exodus 19:16-21:21, Matthew 23:13-39, Psalms 28:1-9, Proverbs 7:1-5

Rev and Rev Mrs Olusola Areogun