Like Sheep Without a Shepherd

by David Gibson

For 40 years Moses shepherded his father-in-law’s flock in the wilderness. Then God called him to shepherd some 2-3 million Israelites for the next 40 years. What a task that proved to be! This flock constantly complained and, at times, was stubbornly rebellious. Yet despite their contrariness, Moses truly cared for their welfare. As he neared the end of his life, he pleaded with God, “May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man . . . that the congregation of the LORD will not be like sheep which have no shepherd” (Numbers 27:16-17 NASB). God graciously appointed Joshua who, like Moses, truly cared for God’s people.

An Ongoing Concern

In Ezekiel’s day, God was upset with Israel’s leaders. “My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them ... I will care for My sheep and will deliver them from all the places to which they were scattered ...” (Ezekiel 34:6, 12 NASB; see Zechariah 10:2).

“Seeing the people, He [Jesus] felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36 NASB). Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11 NKJV).

In God’s wisdom, He has provided the church with shepherds (a.k.a. elders or overseers). Paul charged the Ephesian elders, “... take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28 NKJV).

And Peter wrote, “The elders who are among you I exhort ... Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers ... being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away” (I Peter 5:1-5 NKJV).

Sheep Without a Flock

When Christians move, shouldn’t their first priority be to connect with the church in the new community and be overseen by elders? Sadly, many remain without a flock and without shepherds. Jesus knows who they are, even if the church is unaware of their presence in their community.