A shepherd, quite simply, is one who tends to his sheep. The shepherd guides, directs, defends, and feeds his flock. His existence is wrapped up in making sure they are where they’re supposed to be—and that they’re kept alive.
Traditionally, being a shepherd could be a lonely and even dangerous job. Young sheep, in particular, are vulnerable targets for predators.
This Pastor Appreciation Month, I’ve been considering how God’s Word draws parallels between pastors and shepherds. Particularly, I’ve been struck by Acts 20:28–30 and 1 Peter 5:2–4. There are a few things we learn from these Biblical passages:
Pastors are called by the Holy Spirit to shepherd their flock.
Acts 20:28 says, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (NKJV). As pastors, we do not choose our church like a businessperson chooses their next job. We are called by the Holy Spirit, a truth that we must not take lightly.
Pastoring a church is a great responsibility.
Did you catch the second half of Acts 20:28? “… Shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” As pastors, we must realize that Jesus paid the ultimate price to redeem those in our congregations. Yes, there can—and will—be trying times. As one pastor jokingly said, “The sheep can stink sometimes.” […]
— Read More: harbingersdaily.com
Coffee the Christian way: Promised Grounds
