shepherding the shepherd
from PreachingToday.com
Our Old and Timeless Commission
Every once in awhile it’s good for us to look up from our daily duties to a great commission like this (Josh. 1:2-5). The geography of our individual assignments is not as land locked as Joshua’s. Our parish is not defined by rivers, borders, or city blocks. We each homestead among hearts.
‘When the Chief Shepherd Appears’
We pastors certainly don’t deserve a shinier crown of glory than our brothers and sisters, but I kind of hope our crowns will have a little shepherd’s staff logo on them or something so we can spot each other. If Jesus remains our Chief Shepherd forever, I wonder if somehow we might continue to shepherd with him.
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.