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Also see Phil's article to keep on track with a related message.

God's people are looking for shepherding leaders is one of the most important times in their history. This was true all throughout the Old Testament, it was true in the early church, and it is equally true today.

So what should be the goal of the shepherds God's people look for? Some read books on leadership, others come up with our own list of qualities, and some even mechanically and legalistically look at the qualities listed in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. While any of these three can prove valuable, the ultimate test is whether or not they seek to be like God, the Ultimate Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-4), and Jesus, the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18).

Today, we want to emphasize that the Good Shepherd, Jesus, was willing to lay down His life for His sheep so that they could have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). What does this mean? It means that because the LORD is our Shepherd, we have all that we need, the wonderful blessings described by Psalm 23:1-4).