9th February 2024
I have a dear Christian friend called Billy who has been seriously ill lately, including a period of time in a coma. For a long time, I was unable to see him or speak to him. And it was during this time that I came to realise how important he is to me. It is often the case that we don’t appreciate something until it is taken away from us.
Billy is the kind of Christian that we all need in the Church. He is a true shepherd who cares passionately about Jesus and His flock. He is retired now and he no longer has a flock in the form of a local congregation to care for. But he still has that shepherd heart and he has shown that to me many times.
There is no shortage of hired hands leading churches these days but in my experience true shepherds are rare indeed. And Billy is one of those rare but wonderful shepherds that the people of God so desperately need these days.
Throughout my life I have experienced rejection many times in the Church and until I met Billy, I often thought that there was something wrong with me. But Billy doesn’t see it that way. Like a true shepherd he has spent time with me, seeing what my heart is like and seeing what talents I have. At the same time, he has prayed for me and listened to what the Lord has to say about me. Then like a true shepherd he has spoken into my life with words of love. In love he has gently rebuked me for my lack of faith whilst at the same time affirming what the Lord has done in my life. Billy has never wavered in believing in me and he has kept encouraging me to use my talents. He loves to chew the cud with me and discuss the issues in the Church and in the world. He recognises my talent for teaching the scriptures and he has got me to give him bible lessons. He also recognises my pastoral heart and has taken delight in watching me put it into practice. He has taken pleasure in the reports I give to him about what I am doing and he has encouraged me to do more.
With the help of Billy, I have grown stronger in confidence about the talents I have and I have grown in my understanding of God’s calling upon life. I have come to understand why I have experienced rejection in the Church. With Billy’s help I have realised that there is nothing wrong with me. Now I am no longer concerned about rejection and instead I stand firm in my convictions. All I want to do is be faithful to what God has given me to do, no matter what the consequences and I am at peace in that. This is what a true shepherd can do for us. We all need a Billy.