What kind of Shepherd do we have? If Jesus is not a projection of our own imaginations, what is he really like?
Well, for one thing, he is a life-giver. In John 10 Jesus describes himself as one who lays down his life for his sheep, and as one who came so that his sheep might have life in abundance. In contrast to our enemy, who is a thief and a murderer, our Shepherd is a fountain of living water. He makes possible our participation in the fellowship of the Trinity. He nurtures that fellowship, which is our source of hope and joy and peace.
He is a life-giver.
When we are working with this Shepherd – when we allow him to manifest his heart through our actions – we will be life-givers as well. Anything other than that results in death to some degree. Reduced relationship. Loss of hope, joy, and peace.
Any ministry that we offer must reflect the life that is in us to be effective.