The Scope and Purpose of Christ's Shepherding of His Flock in Five Stages

 

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