In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Luke 2:8 HCSB
As a former youth pastor it is humbling to think that I was responsible for helping shepherd and take care of a group of teenagers. While serving at First Baptist Church, Amarillo, Texas I had the opportunity to work with a large group for seven years and watch them grow up through the youth ministry. Today I still keep in touch with many of them. It is inspiring to see how they have grown in their relationships with God and are now serving Him in some capacity. Some are even serving as ministers and missionaries.
The shepherds were responsible for protecting their flock of sheep from attackers, healing their wounds, helping them find food, keeping them from danger, and caring for them when they were sick. The shepherds spent all day and night with the sheep, who learned to recognize his voice and trust him. Scriptures refer to Jesus as the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). The term shepherd is often associated with the office of pastor. Sunday School teachers are sometimes referred to as shepherds who care for those in his or her class.
Challenge: Who has God called you to shepherd? Are there people in your life who are dependent on you and need your care and guidance, perhaps your children, other family members, or a neighbor or a work associate? What are you doing to help them develop trust in you and ultimately God? Ask God to give you guidance and direction as you shepherd those for whom you care.