Shepherds and Sheep
Chosen by God!
All spiritual leaders should imitate the humble, servant spirit demonstrated by the Lord Jesus Christ. In view of God’s extreme displeasure with the evil leaders in Israel, we can learn that God takes shepherding His flock very seriously. As a result, those that shepherd should take it seriously also.
“And I will give you [spiritual] shepherds after My own heart [in the final time], who will feed you with knowledge and understanding and judgment.” (Jeremiah 3:15 AMPC)
“And I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them. And they will fear no more nor be dismayed, neither will any be missing or lost, says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:4 AMPC)
These Scriptures makes it clear the shepherd role, to shepherd after God’s own heart and to feed, care for, the sheep. That means shepherds are to seek God’s heart in shepherding and make sure they reflect His heart with the sheep. They are also responsible for what they teach and preach to the sheep. It’s also as important for the sheep to seek God in where they should attend church to make sure they are being led by someone that actually has His heart for them.
Shepherding was so important to God that He also mentioned consequences if not done with the right heart.
“For the shepherds [of the people] have become like brutes, irrational and stupid, and have not sought the Lord or inquired of Him or required Him [by necessity and by right of His word]. Therefore they have not dealt prudently and have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered.” (Jeremiah 10:21 AMPC)
“Woe to the shepherds (the civil leaders) who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasturing! says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 23:1 AMPC)
Ultimately shepherds will have to give account for how they stewarded the sheep. As sheep we must also be obedient in what we are taught about the Word.
“Obey your spiritual leaders and submit to them [continually recognizing their authority over you], for they are constantly keeping watch over your souls and guarding your spiritual welfare, as men who will have to render an account [of their trust]. [Do your part to] let them do this with gladness and not with sighing and groaning, for that would not be profitable to you [either].” (Hebrews 13:17 AMPC)
Successful shepherding requires God’s heart and obedient sheep!
Be Encouraged! ❤
Leisa Wilkins Ministries
"Encouraging and Empowering you to become who God created you to be, God's Masterpiece, a Divine Original!"
Pastor | Author | Bible Teacher | Speaker | Encourager