I was washing dishes when I heard the first line of this poem begin. Honestly, I wasn’t contemplating anything or pondering with the Lord at this time. I find He is able to interrupt our daily lives in the mundane when He wants to say something. Needless to say my dishes are still there…please bear with me as I am learning just as I am sharing as well. This is one of the reason I love Christ so..He is always teaching us to be more like Him!

This little poem, at first, I thought was completely focusing on Satan in sheep’s clothing. When I begin writing I never know which way He is headed so I try not to think too much ..just holding the pen loosely. While it does talk much to this and certainly is a warning for us to have keen discernment because honestly things are not always what they appear, it was actually the “tending”  that caught my attention. I began to ask the Lord what it really meant to “tend” sheep. As I came across the translated word for “tend” this is what I found:

(From Strong’s)

4165 (poimaínō) focuses on “tending” (“shepherding”) (WS, 274), which includes guarding, guiding, and folding the flock and is only provided (ultimately) by Jesus Christ – the Shepherd, who calls under-shepherds (such as elder-overseers) to guard and guide His people by His direction (1 Pet 5:1-5).

 4165 /poimaínō (“shepherding, pastoring”) is distinct from “feeding” (1006 /bóskō). 1006 bóskō – properly, feed (graze); (figuratively) spiritually  nourish by feeding people the Word of God (Jn 21:15,17). While 4166 (poimḗn) focuses on “shepherding” the flock of God (caring for them), 1006 (bóskō) stresses feeding them His Word.

I have to admit this is nothing I’ve ever considered..a distinct difference in “tending” vs “feeding.” Truly, I can see how some may be gifted to “tend” and not “feed” and vica versa. There is a certain care giver heart I would imagine to a “tender” of the sheep. Maybe indeed the word means what it says in “tend.” There must be a tenderness of heart in someone called to “tend” sheep. I am certain  you could be a gifted “feeder” or teacher and yet not be a gifted “tender.” This is where in the body we must position our people correctly. God equips His people to fill specific needs in any body of believers.  I wonder how often we place someone in a position that was not God ordained for them? Therefore it causes frustration, lack of fruit, and a hindrance to the work of the Holy Spirit. These sheep become discouraged and halt all pursuit of their place in the Kingdom. This is where we must help re-position them so they grow to greatness with Christ! Truly, it’s a very serious matter. Maybe we take it quite lightly. Could be why He has decided to speak on it..

As soon as I saw the commentary to “fold the sheep” I wondered this meaning. What a beautiful definition we can see here:

“fold”

• to bring (the arms, hands, etc.) together in an intertwined or crossed manner; clasp; cross:
  He folded his arms on his chest.
• to bend or wind (usually followed by about, round, etc.):
  to fold one’s arms about a person’s neck.
• to bring (the wings) close to the body, as a bird on alighting.
• to enclose; wrap; envelop:
  to fold something in paper.
• to embrace or clasp; enfold :
  to fold someone in one’s arms.

Awww I love the last one!!! May He teach us to “tend” the sheep well! To “fold” them as His embrace and place them in a place of safety…in this the enemy will lose his ground. May we understand that LOVE LABORS and “tends…”

Tend Thy Sheep

Tend Thy sheep O keep them close
Satan’s come in “sheepish” clothes
Poised himself with “righteousness”
Look thee close, discern thy breath

Subtleties will show his face
Surprise it may, look unto Grace.
Cameleons can change at will
Fooling those to what is real.

You will need Thy power still
To see beyond thy natural reel
Get in place your positioned post
Pray, for I’ll reveal false cloaks.

Death and sin is hiding well
Discern the snake with thy keen smell
Feed my sheep before they seek
Food that’s rotten and spoileth thee.

Get them young and train them well
Before O Satan lures to hell
Give them truth from start to end
Hide not any for fear of men.

Some will “tend” and some will “feed”
So place yourselves appropriately
For it will take both indeed
To free My sheep from Satan’s teeth.

–Shelly Wilson