Christ loves His flock. He loves His individual sheep. One thing that love motives Him to do is give human shepherds to His flock. He loves His shepherds.

The shepherds are to love “their” sheep with the Good Shepherd’s love.

They know that. So do we, their sheep.

But what struck me this morning from Colossians 4 is not what I should be receiving from the shepherds. Listen:

“And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it” (17).

My shepherds need encouragement from me!

“Hang in there, Archippus. Be faithful to your ministry. Fulfill your calling. Do it, Archippus! Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.”

Hmmmm. Maybe I’ll write a little note of encouragement to at least one of my ministers. Maybe even this morning yet. Before church.

Maybe.