Good Shepherd

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. John 10:11-13

Jesus is the good shepherd. All, that is everyone else, is the hired hand. The bigger issue right now in the life of the United Methodist Church, not unlike popular culture, is NOT ONE OF LEADERSHIP. The real issue at hand is the content and character of being - A FOLLOWER OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.

This is not a chicken and egg metaphor. In faith, I confess, God is first.

Good Lord, forgive us for all the times that we believe and put ourselves in the position of being first. 

Free us God, as you have and continue to do, in your grace that we might be blessings of faith, hope, and love in a world that struggles with sin.

May your Spirit of peace, wisdom, and truth unify us in Christ…