The Scope and Purpose of Christ's Shepherding of His Flock in Five Stages
Psalm 27:4 "One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple."
John 21:15 "When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' He said to him, 'Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.' He said to him, 'Feed my lambs.'"
2 Corinthians 13:14 "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
|
Stage |
Scope |
Purpose |
Description |
Example |
Application |
Relevant Scriptures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
First Stage |
In green pastures |
Enjoy Christ and the Holy Spirit |
Enables us to enjoy Christ as green pastures and the Spirit as waters of rest |
Like a shepherd leading sheep to green pastures and still waters |
Find nourishment and rest in Christ |
Psalm 23:1-2 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters." Psalm 23:3 "He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake." Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:5 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:6 "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." |
|
Second Stage |
On paths of righteousness |
Revival and transformation |
Enables us to be revived and transformed on paths of righteousness |
Like sheep being guided on the right path |
Experience renewal and transformation in life |
|
|
Third Stage |
In the valley of the shadow of death |
Experience the resurrected Christ |
Enables us to experience the presence of the resurrected, spiritual Christ as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death |
Like sheep protected by the shepherd in danger |
Feel Christ's presence and strength in difficulties |
|
|
Fourth Stage |
In the presence of enemies |
Enjoy the resurrected Christ more deeply and highly |
The Lord prepares a table for us, anoints our head with oil, and makes our cup overflow |
Like sheep peacefully enjoying abundance in the presence of enemies |
Experience the rich supply of the Triune God in all circumstances |
|
|
Fifth Stage |
In the house of the Lord |
Enjoy divine grace and lovingkindness |
Enables us to enjoy divine grace and lovingkindness all our life and dwell in the house of the Lord |
Like sheep dwelling forever in the shepherd's home |
Seek to live in God's presence and experience Him in all aspects |
This table summarizes the five stages of Christ's shepherding of us, with each stage having its specific scope, purpose, description, example, application, and relevant scriptures. It demonstrates how Christ comprehensively and profoundly shepherds us from the beginning of our faith to eternity, enabling us to experience His presence and provision in every stage.
*Please refer to the 2024 Summer Live Training - Experiencing, Enjoying, and Expressing Christ (1) Message Two: Christ as the One Whose Action Is under Heavenly Rule, Our Shepherd, Our Rest, and the Sower
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