The Shepherd and His Flock, P.B.

In Luke 15, there is the parable of the shepherd who leaves his flock of ninety-nine sheep behind to seek out and find that one lost sheep. This has been my experience with the Lord and the local churches. On one hand, there is the personal relationship between the Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and each individual sheep. On the other hand, there is the flock. I'm realizing that my relationship to the flock is just as important as my relationship with the Lord. Sometimes the care I receive in the local church is just as simple, pure, steadfast, and faithful as the Lord's care.

Many times, the Lord will shepherd, nourish, and cherish me through another member of the Body. This relationship between the members of the Body is one that I have consistently found in the local churches.

I had been to denominations before but remained hungry for something deeper. I'm really beginning to see that there is a deeper truth, a greater plan, a higher gospel which exists in the word of God. And as the Shepherd caring for His flock, the Lord pours out His blessings upon us and opens up His heart to us in a marvelous way.

I thank the Lord so much that He has carried me thus far and that He has placed me where I receive all of His care, both directly from Him, and from His Body.