Shepherds of God

Shepherds of God (Greek:ποιμένες τοῦ θεοῦ) refer to the spiritual leaders who deliver messages and Scriptures of Divine Truth as well as warn against sin that date back to the very earliest societies from Old Testament times.
Their ethical guidelines are the bonds that hold a good society together through faith and worship in a Higher Power as well as morals and values that emphasize what is considered right and wrong.
Old Testament
In the Old Testament, examples include priests, prophets, and kings like Aaron, Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, David, and Solomon.
New Testament
The New Testament has Jesus Christ as the Good Shepherd Who leads His flock to greener pastures.
The Apostles
The Apostles played significant spiritual roles in spreading Christianity after the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His ultimate Resurrection to Everlasting Life and Glory.
Jesus chose Twelve Disciples to symbolize the 12 Tribes of Israel to be witnesses to His Life, Teachings and Miracles.
“Follow Me And I Will Make You Fishers of Men”
Early Church Fathers
Early Church Fathers were influential in shaping Christian Doctrine and interpreting Scripture in the Early Church through their writings, teachings and leadership.
They preserved and transmitted their faith through spiritual direction to the early Christian communities on Christian ethics and practices.
Saints
Shepherds of God include Saints who lived holy lives through the Scriptural Virtues of love, justice, piety and gentleness.
Many individuals have a special bond and confidence in their very own Patron Saint who they look to for help and guidance when they are caught-up in the traps of life's difficulties.
Priests and Pastors
The pastoral ministry of an ordained priest has its origins and purpose in the Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ Who called on special people to share in His Mission to shepherd God's people starting with the Twelve Apostles.
Jesus Christ handed down his Divine Message to his Twelve Apostles and sent into the world through His Great Commission to preach and baptize people into the new Christian faith.
Missionaries
Missionaries travelled to various regions of the world establishing Christian communities through direct evangelism, building churches, translating Scripture, providing social services and engaging with local leaders.

Shepherds of God

Shepherds of God guide and teach the Cross of Christ's symbol of love, hope and everlasting life.
Shepherds of God reflect God's Role as the Shepherd Who heals and restores the souls of His people.
Jesus the Good Shepherd
Sheep are dependent and easily stray; they need a shepherd's guidance to find fresh pastures to graze and safety from predators and harsh weather.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who guides, protects, and ultimately lays down His Life for the sins of the world, just like a good shepherd cares for his flock.
Jesus Christ, as a Savior, demonstrates the Love of a Good Shepherd for His sheep.
Shepherds of God
Biblical Characters who are considered Shepherds of God.
Abraham
Abraham, a shepherd and a herder of livestock, is the common Hebrew Patriarch of the Abrahamic religions.
In Judaism, he is the founding father who began the covenantal relationship between the Jewish people and God.
In Christianity, he is the direct spiritual ancestor of all believers, whether Jewish or non-Jewish.
Abraham is the first of the three Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - Greek: Ἀβραάμ, Ἰσαάκ Ἰακώβ) who are considered the ancestors of the Jewish people and the chosen lineage (Tribe of Judah) from which Jesus Christ would come.
Abraham is also the first Prophet to appear in the Hebrew Bible and is revered because God chose to reveal Himself through Him to initiate a Covenant between humanity and the Divine.
Moses
Moses is revered as the greatest prophet and teacher in Judaism.
He worked as a shepherd for his father-in-law, Jethro, for 40 years before leading the Hebrews out of slavery from Egypt, to the "Promised land" of Canaan.
Moses and his people crossed the Red Sea and reached Mount Sinai, where he received the Ten Commandments from God.
Ten Commandments (Greek: δεκα ἐντολαί)
Moses authored the Torah, built the Ark of the Covenant and received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai in the form of two stone tablets.
1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shall not have any gods before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything.
3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
10.You shall not covet your neighbor's house, wife, or property.
Aaron
Aaron was the traditional founder and head of the Israelite priesthood, who, with his brother Moses, led the Israelites out of Egypt.
As a priest, he was responsible for overseeing the worship of God and for offering sacrifices on behalf of the people.
Joshua
Joshua was born a slave in Egypt but became a conqueror in Canaan.
He was Moses faithful disciple for forty years and accompanied him when he ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments.
He succeeded Moses as leader of the Israelites (Deuteronomy 31:1–8; 34:9) and was a charismatic warrior who led the Twelve Tribes of Israel into battle in the conquest of Canaan and the Fall of Jericho.
Shepherds of God
David
King David is the best known shepherd of Bible history rising from a humble shepherd boy to be the second king of Israel.
He was the young shepherd boy who gained fame for killing the Philistine warrior, Goliath.
David is described as a young man who is devoted to God in the Books of Samuel.
As a king he established Jerusalem as his capital and brought the Ark of the Covenant to the city.
David is honored as an ancestor of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd (lineage of Mary), in Jewish prophetic literature.
In the Bible, David is also a celebrated Psalmist.
The Book of Psalms in the Old Testament contains 150 poems, songs and prayers with seventy three of them are attributed to King David.
His famous Psalm 23:2 is used in both Jewish and Christian religious practices.
Solomon
Solomon was the third king of the Kingdom of Israel and Judah who was the successor of his father King David ruling all Twelve Tribes.
King Solomon was renowned for his wisdom, writings, building accomplishments and the prosperous reign he led over a unified Israel.
He erected the magnificent First Temple as a monument to Glorify God and as a home for the Ark of the Covenant in which the Ten Commandments were placed.
His authorship of books like Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and the Wisdom of Solomon are known for their insightful reflections on life and relationships.

Path to Greener Pastures

Shepherds of God
Green Pastures
Green grass represents fertility, prosperity and abundance (a universal sign of life and new growth).
Green pastures also represents promising opportunities such as a new job, moving to a new home or pursuing your dreams.
In the Biblical landscape, "green pastures" represents bountiful lush, fertile areas of peace rest and security where one is free from danger and where a shepherd could rest their flock and graze in safety.
God the Shepherd
In Judaism, God is the Shepherd.
The shepherd in Psalm 23 is a metaphor for God, who provides for and guides his people just as a shepherd would for his flock.
The Old Testament portrays God as the Shepherd of his people.
Judaism's most important feature is the One and Only, Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnibenevolent and Transcendent God Who Created Heaven, the universe, earth and humanity.
Shepherds of God
The Lord is my Shepherd - Psalm 23:2 (Greek:"Κύριος ποιμαίνει με")
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen
King David, who was shepherd in his youth, is the author of Psalm 23:2, was writing a song about God's idyllic Garden of Eden (Book of Genesis), a place of beauty and perfection, explains three main points:
1. God's Provision - “The Lord is my shepherd" means the shepherd cares with love.
2. God's Protection - "I shall not want” means the Lord, as a shepherd, will care for all his needs.
3. "My Cup Runs Over” - signifies an abundance of blessings.
New Testament
In Christianity, Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd Who came to shepherd God's people to greener pastures so we can inherit the Kingdom of God.
The New Testament marks the beginnings of the Christian Era with the Birth of Jesus Christ.
Jesus came into this world in humility, simplicity and in poverty.
His Crib was an animal feeding trough.
Angels proclaimed the joyous Birth of Jesus to shepherds keeping watch over their flock that first Christmas Eve.
“The glory of the Lord shone round about them and said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord".
(Luke 2:10, 11)
Humble shepherds and farm animals surrounded the Baby Jesus in that humble Stable.
The Three gentile (non-Jewish), Wise Men came from the east following the bright Star of Bethlehem.
They bowed before Him to acknowledge His Deity and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The Birth Of Jesus Gave The World A Savior
"God loved the world so much, that He gave His One and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost but have eternal life". (John 3:16).

Kingdom of God

Shepherds of God
The "Kingdom of Heaven," in the Gospel of Matthew, is a central theme in the Bible, generally considered synonymous with the "Kingdom of God" in Mark and Luke referring to God's ultimate Sovereignty and Authority over both, the spiritual realm (Heaven) and the physical realm (earth).
God's Omnipotence (All-Powerful) and Omniscience (All-Knowing), reflects His ability to govern and know everything.
Shepherds of God
Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the King of the Kingdom of God (Greek: βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ)
His Teachings, Miracles and Sacrifice are all related to the establishment and expansion of God's Reign.
Ascension of Jesus Christ
The Ascension of Jesus occurred forty days after His Resurrection on the Mount of Olives, outside Jerusalem and, in the presence of eleven of his Disciples.
Jesus then gave His last earthly command (the Great Commission) to His Disciples.
The Great Commission endowed His Disciples to become Apostles who were to:
1. Share the Gospel to all people
2. Baptize believers
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:19
Jesus Christ was then taken up into Heaven to take His Place at the Right Hand of His Father.
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is a manifestation of God's Authority to guide and empower humanity to live according to His Will and to bring Heaven's reality to earth.
Lord's Prayer
The Lord's Prayer, particularly the phrase "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," is a prayer of God's Authority to align oneself with His Will.
The Church
The church, as the Body of Christ, refers to the universal body of believers who have placed their faith in Him.
Thus, the church is the House of God.
Jesus Christ is the Head of the church.
The church builds and expands God's Kingdom on earth.
God's Promises
God's Promises in the Bible include:
Guidance and wisdom to those who seek Him.
Salvation through Jesus Christ
Forgiveness of our sins.
Everlasting life in the Heavenly Kingdom of God.
The Lord's Prayer - The Greatest Prayer
The Lord's Prayer, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 6:9–13 and in the Gospel of Luke 11:2–4, is the best of all prayers because it recognizes God as our Creator and was taught by Jesus Christ at the Sermon on the Mount.
Lord's Prayer (Greek: Πάτερ ἡμῶν)
Our Father, which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy will be done in earth,
As it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive them that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
The power, and the glory,
For ever and ever.
Amen (Greek: ἀμήν)
Then, Jesus "came down from the mountain followed by great multitudes".

True Life Story of an ex-Atheist, Ian McCormack's Near Death Experience (NDE)

Ezine Articles Author Link
Click on the Link Below

Newsletter Opt-in-Form

The Keen Traveler

Your second block of text...