random thoughts on shepherds and sheep from the Philippines

While distributing food to the many displaced people here, looking at the crowds of people who seemed lost and aimless, the words of Jesus came to my mind, from Mark 6:34. "And as He landed, He saw a great crowd, and he had compassion of them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things." And then I thought about Peter's words " ...for you were going astray like sheep,but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls..." Shepherds lead, protect, provide for,sacrifice for, and most of all love their flock. Sheep on the other hand, are needy,cannot defend themselves,prone to wander, and need to be cared for. Paul, in Acts said that after his departure,savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. As we look after any and all God places in our path in life, I hope we can try to pattern our lives after the Great Shepherd,Jesus Christ,who loved us and gave himself for us. Please pray for us, that God would give us Shepherds hearts when we need to lead, and submissive wills when we need to follow. From all of us, Tom Ferch