This coming Sunday I will again have the privilege of holding an induction for a Pastor. I will lead them in charges that she will make to the church. One of which will be this: “I charge you before God to lead your people with the love of a shepherd – remembering at all times that you are only the under shepherd and that God is the Great and Good Shepherd of the flock.”
Peter is nearing the end of his letter and he is giving instructions to the leaders, the young people and then all the members of the Church community.
2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (1 Peter 5 v 2-4)
I know that this Sunday the Pastor and her husband having left a wonderful church will step into a new season for their lives out of response to the call of God. The Pastor is not reluctantly starting in this new church but neither is she coming for any lucrative deal.
Pastors’ shepherd because they want to please God; they don’t do it because they have to, v2.
Pastors’ shepherd because they are passionate about the well-being of people, they desire to feed, protect and guide people into their futures with God; they don’t do it to grab at the salary, the pension and the lucrative expenses (and in most cases this is obvious!), v2.
Pastors’ shepherd because they know and demonstrate what it is to be shepherded; they don’t do it because they want to push people around being their lord and master, v3.
Why not text your Pastor today and thank them for being the shepherd of your life.
Missions Paul 