shepherding the shepherd
from PreachingToday.com
Rich Pastors
It’s easy to forget how deeply significant it is for us to simply be “examples to the flock.” We may think that leadership is mostly about pursuing vision and goals. They have their place—second place. It’s the slow work of our example, sculpted by time, love, and trust, that prompts lifetime change in the people we shepherd. No service we provide is so lasting!
‘Be Shepherds of God’s Flock’
When people are hurting, wayward, or hungry, we may well feel inadequate. But what they most need from us, and what Jesus has equipped us to do, is to be their shepherd!
What’s Become of Them?
We do most of our ministry on this bright side of salvation. The Holy Spirit enlists us to feed, lead, and guard those whom he has immortalized. Remember when Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven”? Or the “sinful woman” whom Jesus told, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace”? People like that are entrusted to pastors.
Persuading the Poor
In league with the Spirit, pastor-proclaimers initiate and accompany paupers into this counterintuitive economy of God’s kingdom.
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
When the Spirit was upon Jesus the effect was astonishing authority. The same kind of authority that banished demons was present when he proclaimed good news to the poor, and, for that matter, later when he raised the dead. Instead of being passive listeners, people found themselves spellbound, as subjects hearing the king. Teaching seems almost too mild a word for what Jesus did. He decreed; he proclaimed.
Falling Off a Log
Trying to keep up with the Parsons invariably pits us against someone else’s gifts or efforts. Such mimicry doesn’t bear fruit. Remember how Pharaoh’s sorcerers tried to match Moses’ miraculous signs? We can come dangerously close to that.