Main Scripture: John 10:14-15
More Scriptures; Ephesians 6:4, Malachi 2:14, Eph.5:25
In the next couple of days, by the help of the Person of the Holy Spirit, we shall be exploring the enormous power that the good and godly shepherd is endowed with. And I pray that each day of the teaching shall make the most visible positive impact in your life and the lives of your wife and children in Jesus name. Amen. But who is a shepherd? In simple language, a shepherd oversees, directs, controls, guides and guards the sheep in his sheepfold. So, the shepherd possesses the character of a leader. You also have good and bad shepherd. How well they perform their functions determine if they are good or bad leader. Now, Jesus, the perfect example of the good shepherd gave you the right model of the good shepherd. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. (Jn.10:14). And the reason He said that He was the good shepherd was because He sacrificed Himself for the sheep. I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary. (Jn10:15).
As the head of your family and the spiritual authority over the members of your flock, you must appreciate what makes you the godly husbandman. If you do not come to terms with these truths, you may become tired of leading your wife and children. One of the powers you exercise when you function as the good and godly husbandman to your sheep, is that you get to know them deeper and better. You will be able to know if they have derailed from the godly principles you have laid for them or not. You will also be able to know the area of concern that require divine intervention. That is what the Bible tells us today. I am the good shepherd and I KNOW MY SHEEP (Jn.10:14). Jesus Christ, the Husband of the Church knew His sheep, so He understood their weaknesses, fears, and expectations. He knew Peter so well that He saw that Peter was fearful. For this reason, He prayed for Him.
So, as the godly shepherd you have no excuse for not knowing your wife and children. Your work or business or any other reasons is not adequate to provide cover for your ignorance. Your wife and children are not strangers. They are not piece of furniture. They are God’s assets and gifts to you. They are your sheep and you are their shepherd. God gave them to you and He will demand from you what you make of their lives. But how do I know my wife and children? First, you must have a close watch over them by being vigilant in observing their speeches, conduct, reactions and relationships. Secondly, you must be willing to nurture your wife and children. Nurturing is much more than giving out orders to your wife and children. It is also much more than providing food and shelter. It is about personally getting involved in their lives. When you know your wife and children, it empowers you to treat them in the way of God would.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, make me the good and godly shepherd to my wife and children.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to know my wife and children.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to live a sacrificial life as I lead my sheep.
FAITH CONFESSION
I seek to know my wife and children so that I can serve them in the light of the word of God because that is what makes me the good and godly shepherd in Jesus name. Amen.
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