Be a Shepherd of God's Flock

Today’s Scripture Readings:
OT: Isaiah 48
NT: Romans 2
W&W: Psalm 78.17-31

Today’s Reflection:

In the pastoral installation, Dr. Van Nest said that in every covenant both sides have obligations, things they are called to. Then he went on…

I’m going to begin today with the obligations that fall on you, Pastor. I want to read to you from 1 Peter 5.1:
To the Elders among you I appeal as a fellow Elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who will share in the glory to be revealed. Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care. Serving as overseers, not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be.
Pastor, be a shepherd of God’s flock. That is your call.
It is a call to feed those that are under your care. Feed them and nurture them as you proclaim to them in preaching and teaching the truth of God’s Word. Do so without fear and without compromise. As you do, see that they are growing in the image of Christ. Do all that you can to nurture them in their faith.
As a shepherd you are called to care for them. Walk with them through good and through bad. Be a symbol and representative of God’s love and God’s presence in their lives.
As a shepherd, you are called to lead them. In cooperation with the leaders of this church, you are called to seek God’s vision for this flock. Guide and direct them, keeping them in step with the Spirit of God.
And, Lana, I know that you are a critical part of the ministry of shepherding. You will work together in shepherding this church family: to feed them, to care for them, to lead them.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1, “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. That is why I am so eager to preach…” While I am obligated to the church now because of the covenant we entered into, there is an a priori obligation such as that expressed by Paul. I am obligated because Jesus died for them and entrusted me with his message of love.

God has laid it on my heart to do three things. This is the only plan I have: Preach the Bible. Pastor the People. Pray. Preach, pastor and pray. As I look at the covenant we entered into, I realize that as I do the feeding (preach) and caring (pastor) that is mentioned in our covenant, and add to that prayer, then – and only then – will I be qualified to fulfill the third requirement of the covenant: lead.

So, let’s go!

This Week’s Scripture to Memorize:
1 John 1.10: If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.