Like Sheep Without a Shepherd
by Jim Person
Many years ago I was part of the usher team in my home church. I was stationed at the door, allowing me to look across the congregation from side to side. We had a lot of visitors that morning and earlier God had impressed upon my heart that many people were wandering in their faith. As I looked at the masses of people I began to see with the heart of Jesus. I wept, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, harassed and helpless.
Jesus looked at the people and wept. He knows the heart of people, not only because He created them, but because He’s one of them. He’s walked the same path as us, understands our stresses, been tempted as we are, and is acquainted with our needs. As He came from heaven to earth because of love, so His love is to flow from us to those who need it. It should be a natural overflow of our love for God as He places those who desperately need it in our path.
On that morning, I had a small glimpse of the heart of the Shepherd, and it overwhelmed me. Have you asked Him to show you His heart? How well are you following the Good Shepherd’s leading?
Prayer: Father, help me to have Your heart for those You place in my life. I need more of Your love flowing in me, so I can have it flow out of me. Could You let me see through Your eyes today, so that I can give them what they need, and meet them at whatever level they are at in their walk? Lord, give me compassion for the harassed and helpless. Lead me and guide me. Amen.
Jim Person Jim grew up in Alaska and from a small child commercial fished every summer with his family. God called him, his wife Tanya, and their four children to move to Hungary as missionaries in 2003. God then led him to join Ellel Ministries in 2005. After serving in various positions with Ellel in Central and Eastern Europe, God led them back to the United States, where he is now serving with the Ellel USA team. Jim and Tanya have a passion to see leaders restored, the church discipled and walking in God’s fullness of life and freedom. They also love mentoring the existing and developing Ellel teams wherever God leads them. Jim also has a real gift for working with the land to create a beautiful and welcoming environment.
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