NO SHEEP, NO SHEPHERD

Main Scriptures: Genesis 17:23-27

More Scriptures: Gen.18:19, Acts 10:2, 2Thess.2:17

Some time back, we tried to open a tweeter account for the Mission. We planned that through the social media handle, we would reach more people with the message of Jesus Christ for every husbandman. One of the suggestions we were given to help us optimize the account was to follow someone who had pedigree- leverage on someone who had huge followership. And this instructively struck a deep meaning to me as the head of my family and I want you and I to follow the teaching. As the head of the family, God has made you a shepherd, and He has provided you with sheep. This is to give meaning to your function as the leader in your sheepfold because if no one is following you, you are truly not a leader but a follower also. If you study the story of Abraham, the husband of Sarah, you will discover that his wife followed him, alongside others. So, Abram departed as the Lord had spoken unto him and Lot went with him and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran. And Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son…. (Gen.12:4-5b). Jesus Christ who is the perfect example of the good and godly husband also had people following Him. They were called disciples. And even today many more are still following Him.

But why did you think they followed these leaders? The answer is found in Scriptures. For Abraham the husband of Sarah, he mentored his sheep. For I know (him) Abraham, he will command (teach) his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord………… (Gen.18:19). (emphasis mine). This husband taught his sheep. He guided them. He showed them what to do and what not do. So, it was very easy for Isaac to follow him like a sheep to Mount Moriah for sacrifice. The question before you is this, what are you teaching your wife and children? What examples have you shown to them that qualify them to follow you. You are their leader and they want to follow you. But you have to demonstrate to them that when they follow you, they will end up in green pastures.

As the head of the family, it is very important for you to appreciate the position you occupy – a position of influence. You can influence your wife and children either positively or negatively. The choice is yours. Your wife and children are watching you. You must match your words and actions. Comfort your hearts, and establish you in EVERY GOOD WORD AND WORK (2 Thess.2:17) Husbands, it is your good word and good work that will make your wife and children to follow you- giving and laying down their lives to go with you wherever you go and in all circumstances. Your good works and words remain your strongest points of influence over your family. Therefore, make your word and work count and experience faithful loyalty and followership from your wife and children.

SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

Father, in the Name of Jesus, make my word and work to count in my life and that of my wife and children.

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to overcome every spirit of hypocrisy.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, make my life count positively in the lives of my wife and children and make them to follow me faithfully.

FAITH CONFESSION   I set good examples first with my life for my sheep to see and follow me because I want to lead to green pastures as the good and godly husband in Jesus name. Amen.

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