“What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people – the shepherds of my sheep – for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for, says the Lord…Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing. I, the Lord have spoken! For the time is coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous descendent from King David’s line…” – Jeremiah 23:1, 4-5a
The “shepherd” description of spiritual leaders is used in the New Testament of the role of Pastor. It seems today the role of Pastor is more often portrayed as CEO, or the Dynamic speaker (aka the big TV preachers), rather than shepherd. But in most local churches, at least the Pastor’s I know, they take the role of shepherd seriously. As such we do not seek to destroy or scatter the ones we care for. We want what verse 4 says. We want a ministry where no one is lost or missing… want… But reality is different. People walk away occasionally. I would like to say we don’t take it personally, but we do, or I do – that comes with caring. Over time we find ways to remove the weight from our shoulders, for it was not ours to begin with.
However, verse 5 indicates when this effective shepherding will take place – When Jesus comes to rule. Perhaps we can take this promise two ways. Since the resurrection all who come to faith in Jesus are never lost or missing. Their salvation is secure. There are shepherds who will care for them. But a more complete fulfillment of this promise is the second coming of Christ where people will never be afraid; no one will be lost or missing.
For me, as a Pastor, the call is to be the shepherd He wants me to be – to care for. What of those reading who are not Pastors? Please understand we care more than you often see or know. Pray for your Pastor. How can you help your Pastor be more effective as a Shepherd?
Father, may we assume from the beginning that those who follow you care, instead of interpreting otherwise.
JT
Reading: Galatians 4, Genesis 22, Psalm 132, Jeremiah 23
Jtg4charis's Blog 