And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. (John 10:4 KJV)
The primary role of the shepherd is to cater for the welfare and wellness of the flock. As the shepherd plays this role, he leads the flock to a haven of pasture and water for the upkeep of the sheep. According to Scriptures, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:2 KJV). Notice, the Shepherd “maketh” the sheep to lie down in green pastures and he leadeth the sheep beside the still waters. The Shepherd in a sense is the primary care giver for the sheep.
As the primary care giver, the Shepherd goes ahead of the Sheep, to seek and secure what is both good and comfortable for the sheep. He is primarily concerned for the upkeep, wellness and security of the sheep and they rest, trust for care and safety from the Shepherd. The Psalmist says, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4 KJV). The sheep has a sense of security when the shepherd is near and around.
As the Shepherd has a duty to lead, so does the Sheep have the duty to follow. The Bible says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27 KJV). It is in the Sheep’s following of the Shepherd that the sheep find the delight and security most needed. This is an important notice. Should the sheep not follow the shepherd, the sheep will wander to jeopardy and desolation. The Sheep must know the voice of the Shepherd and follow.
About the children of Israel being led through the treacherous wilderness on the traverse from Egypt to the promised land, the Bible says, “And they thirsted not when he led them through the deserts: he caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them: he clave the rock also, and the waters gushed out. (Isaiah 48:21 KJV), God led them and as they followed Him, they were safe and secured. The Bible says, “He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.” (Psalm 106:9-11 KJV).
Beloved, we are safe and secure under the care of God, but we must endeavor to follow. To follow warrants and requires giving up one’s wisdom, choice and preference for the promptings and guidance of the leader, the Shepherd. The Shepherd takes responsibility for direction and the sheep enjoys the benefit and blessings of the safety and security that comes with this leadership. This is our inheritance in Jesus Christ as our Shepherd; the good Shepherd. We must trust and obey the Good Shepherd; He knows what to do and how to do what. We must be comfortable with the knowledge of His keen care for us; hearkening to the voice of His command as He directs. Praise the Lord