As a lost sheep, I’ve met many rod bearers
Claiming shepherds, competing for sheep;
Their glory in numbers, their boast in fatness
Of pockets though souls in their sheds be lean,
Weak and wanting. I learned the hard way
That there are rods and there are rods
And for shepherds, same applies. Acclaimed
Shepherds chasing me and my like. At first
I thought love was calling but alas I learned
All their care is for milk, meat and furs for free.
When they look at me and those like me;
In want, at large, without defense, they gloat
They chase – all they see is all they can take –
Our tears – their fuel, our losses – their gain;
Food for their bellies, money for their pockets.
They won’t break a sweat, won’t lose a sleep
Not a care and not a gift. Slowly, painfully
Yet certainly, I learned in time to discern
They are hunters not shepherds: hunters
Targeting harvest without intent to plant.

Food For Thought: We live in times when many out there are engaged in whatever they are doing, for the simple reason of whatever they can get out of it. In every profession, the church included, people are feigning to be what they are not in order to reap gains where they have not and are not willing to sow. In fact, they are not interested in sowing, in weeding and nurturing. Those are considered waste of time. There are many without the fear of God who are using the name of God as a means of livelihood. Stories abound of hunters in shepherd’s adornment, chasing after sheep rather than their assignment. Their “unannounced” targets are numbers, riches and glamour. Leaders, who contrary to the example of Christ, will have nothing to do with serving those to whom they claim they are called. They want to launch into the deep and haul in net breaking catches without breaking a sweat. They select Scriptures that suit their fancies and show no regard for holiness. Believers who are out to spoil and exploit whoever their trap catches. They interpret God’s word to suit their self-designed goals and use the name of the Almighty as a means to their ends. Sacred things have become business and they do nothing that won’t profit them. It makes you wonder what happened to the fear of God? What happened to service, sacrifice, and trusting God for reward?

Scripture: Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. Matthew 7: 15.

Prayer: Dear Lord, hide me from those who don’t care for those you care about: grant me discernment and wisdom to escape their devices, amen.