Issue 772 – Shepherds – June 11, 2022
Many people have been hurt by those calling themselves Christians and the organized church. That is not a surprise as the church is full of flawed people (after all, none of us is perfect). The fact that we are not perfect is not meant to excuse the things that have happened. It simply explains.
The problem is compounded by the fact that many people consider Christianity a religion with rules, regulations and traditions that must be followed. Christianity has a religious aspect, but Christianity is first and foremost about relationships.
Being a Christian is about a relationship with the Living God.
The Bible refers to the followers of Christ as sheep. We have a lot in common with sheep. We are stubborn, we can stink, and we sometimes bite. We can be a tough lot to have to look after. God has called human under-shepherds to help in the work, but He is the true shepherd.
God Himself promises to look after the sheep of His flock.
“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.
As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice. Ezekiel 34 11-16
[Jesus said,] “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:11-18
That is good news. It is an incredible promise and will be perfectly kept and righteously administered. The best pastors and church leaders in the world are less than perfect. They strive to do their best, empowered by Holy Spirit and guided by the Word, but they can never be perfect.
Pastors are helpful tools of the Lord, and by and large, they do a commendable job in challenging circumstances for comparatively low and often no pay. Churches run great programs and offer places to fellowship. Pastors and churches are good things and of great benefit, but they are not God.
We are bound to be disappointed when we set the pastor on a pedestal or worship religion rather than that personal relationship. When we put the pastor on a pedestal, we do him a great disservice and are guilty of idolatry. Instead of worshiping our church leaders, or the church itself, we need to focus on the one in charge of all things.
Until next time, ensure that your faith is in Jesus, not some earthly leader or man-made body. It is the Lord who will keep you.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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