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)
A shepherd has God's heart for the sheep so check with Him when preparing to preach or teach, not sermonsrus.com! (Just made that up! Of course, it might exist!) What we do is too important to take shortcuts. There is no drive through, or microwave, breakthroughs! Do the work. Souls are at stake.
“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 make the shepherd's role clear. To be a shepherd after God’s own heart is to feed and 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 who 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 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!
A Note to the Sheep:
The sheep have a part also! We have to be obedient, submissive, teachable, humble, appreciative, and recognize their authority over us.
"Now also we beseech you, brethren, get to know those who labor among you [recognize them for what they are, acknowledge and appreciate and respect them all]—your leaders who are over you in the Lord and those who warn and kindly reprove and exhort you." (I Thessalonians 5:12 AMPC)
Be Encouraged! ❤
(Updated from the Vault of LWM)