WHO’S YOUR SHEPHERD?
JULY 26, 2025
TEXT: 2 Corinthians 1:12–24
KEY VERSE: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” — John 10:27
A story is told of a pastor who made a simple but serious mistake. During a military funeral, a group of soldiers asked him to guide them to the room where their fallen friend’s coffin was placed, so they could pay their last respects. Unfortunately, the pastor led them into a broom closet by mistake.
Although it wasn’t intentional, the mistake became a symbol of how important it is for leaders to know where they’re going—because others are trusting them to lead the way. The Bible warns us of blind leadership in Matthew 15:14:
“If the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”
This connects deeply with Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 1. Paul reminded the church that he, Timothy, and Silvanus were not leading on their own authority. They were chosen, anointed, and sent by God. That’s why they could lead with boldness and integrity—because they themselves were following the true Shepherd.
True shepherds must follow the Chief Shepherd—Jesus Christ. When they do, they will lead the flock in righteousness and truth. As Psalm 23:1 says:
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”
When God leads, we are secure. But when we follow men who do not follow Christ, we are in danger of being misled.
Paul’s leadership reflected submission to Christ. Because of that, he could confront sin in the church without hypocrisy. He was ready to discipline those who had turned away from the truth (see 2 Corinthians 13:2). Like a true shepherd, he was watching over the flock with care and courage.
The Bible urges church leaders to serve willingly, not out of greed or for power.
1 Peter 5:2–3 says:
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
False leaders often promote their own agendas. They feed on the sheep instead of feeding the sheep (Ezekiel 34:2–4). But true shepherds, like Paul, teach sound doctrine and model godly living. As Jesus warned in John 10:12–13:
“But a hireling… sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees… because he is a hireling and does not care about the sheep.”
The Church suffers when self-serving leaders take the place of God-called shepherds. And worse still, followers who ignore the truth and remain under such leadership may be walking toward eternal danger (2 Thessalonians 2:10–12).
This is why we must stay alert.
Acts 20:28 reminds us:
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock… to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”
We must feed the people of God with His Word, not empty traditions. We must guide with humility, not pride. We must follow Christ so that others can safely follow us.
SEARCHLIGHT: The only shepherd worth following is one who follows Jesus closely and helps others do the same.
PRAYER: Lord, give me discernment to know true leaders who reflect Jesus. Help me follow Your voice above all and lead others with humility, truth, and love.
BIBLE READING: Proverbs 6–8; Revelation 11
