Dr. Ray Pritchard Christian Blog and Commentary

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Chief Shepherd

  • Dr. Ray Pritchard
    Dr. Ray Pritchard is the president of Keep Believing Ministries, an Internet-based ministry serving Christians in 225 countries. He is the author of 29 books, including Stealth Attack, Fire and Rain,… More
  • Published Mar 04, 2014

“When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:4).

Do you feel forgotten?
Here is a title just for you.

Two thousand years ago the winner of an athletic event received a victor’s crown made of leaves or flowers. Sometimes it would be withered parsley, sometimes myrtle, sometimes roses or oak leaves. But the leaves and flowers would soon fade, and the triumph would be forgotten. So it is with all things earthly. The Winter Olympics games have come and gone, and we’ve mostly forgotten who won the medals.

Spiritual leaders are often unappreciated in this life. A recent poll shows that American trust in clergy members is lower than ever. Even in the church we often overlook those who labor for Christ. But when Jesus returns, those who have served Christ faithfully will be vindicated openly. The crown they receive will last forever, and their labors on earth will never be forgotten. The slightest deed done in Jesus’ name in the remotest corner of the earth will be remembered because God writes it down in his book. He sees it all, not just the glamour, but the work of faith, the labor of love, and the patience of hope. Not even a cup of water offered in his name goes unnoticed. It’s all written down awaiting the final reward.

The Chief Shepherd watches over his flock.
He knows his sheep and never lets them out of his sight.
He protects them and leads them through the darkest valleys.

He knows those who labor for him.
They may feel forgotten, but he sees them.

Do you feel like no one notices what you are doing?
Keep going, keep believing, keep serving, keep giving.
The Chief Shepherd has his eyes on you.

O Lord, you remember what others forget. Help us to serve you gladly today, knowing that nothing done in Jesus’ name is ever done in vain. Amen. 

Click here to download the free Lenten ebook "Lord of Glory."

You can reach the author at ray@keepbelieving.com. Click here to sign up for the free email sermon.


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