Day 333 "Who is in Your Flock?"

Passage: Acts 20:28b

"...and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers."

Devotion:

In our previous devotion, Paul instructed us to "keep watch" over ourselves; now he adds to this "and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers." In secular terms the word "overseer" would mean superintendent or supervisor, in church terms it is translated as "bishop" or "elder". Therefore, we could interpret the word it to include both those people who we are responsible for physically as well as spiritually.

The authority to be an overseer is given by the Holy Spirit and is not based on bloodline, order of birth, financial condition or work relationship. Some of us might have difficulty with this concept, after all why would my boss at work or co-workers listen to me about my faith--what authority do I have? The point is, the only authority you need is the Holy Spirit's.

Questions to Ponder:

Who has the Holy Spirit placed in your care? Certainly, children come immediately to mind, but who else? Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal who He has--based upon His own sovereignty--placed within your domain as spiritual overseer. It might surprise you. How does it change your attitude toward this relationship? Can you guide another's spiritual development with humility? What needs to change within you to do so?