INL October 13, 2006  

SOUNDING OUT:
Care of the Flock

  God wants His people cared for, and He has provided pastors to do so. These pastors, also called shepherds, are to care for God’s people like the Eastern shepherd cared for his sheep and like Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd, does.
(Hebrews 13:20; I Peter 2:25)

I Peter 5:1-4:
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

  The apostle Peter exhorted the elders of the church, to be shepherds to the church of God. Many “independent minded believers” maintain the notion that they are going to follow Christ only. The implication is that there is no need for the ministry of the pastor. If that is so, why then does God consider scattered sheep, off on their own, not in a fold, not a good thing?

  The indictment against pastors in Jeremiah targeted their harsh treatment of the flock. God didn’t want His flock destroyed or scattered, and promised to set up new shepherds who would feed them properly.

Jeremiah 23:1-4:
Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.
2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
3 And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.
  A similar sentiment is expressed in Ezekiel 34. The evil pastors are reproved and corrected, and the scattered sheep are to be brought back into the fold. There is no obligation to subject oneself to abusive pastors, but God has promised to provide genuine pastors who would provide for His people. God does not want His people scattered and alone. He wants them in the safety of the sheepfold with the protection of the shepherd.

  If being off on one’s own was Biblically sound why all the instruction on gathering those who are scattered? The Bible gives the impression that a person is not in the fold unless he is with the group. Why else did Jesus give the parable of leaving the ninety-nine sheep to rescue the one not with the flock? It is interesting that Jesus depicted the separated sheep in His parable in Matthew 18:12-14 as having gone astray, and in Luke 15:4-7 as being lost.

  God has set certain men in His church as shepherds to tend His flock. They are described in Ephesians 4:11-16 as gifts to the church. He has enable them and energizes them handle their responsibilities or to perform their job. Like all others, some perform their appointed tasks faithfully (Matthew 25:21, 23), while others are unjust stewards of their responsibilities (Acts 20:30). To whom much is given, much is required, and so the minister will have to answer for his faithfulness to function. James makes it very clear that the teacher will receive the stricter judgment
(James 3:1).

  It is doubtful that one will ever find a pastor without a hint of defect in his character or in the expression of his personality. It is doubtful that one will ever find a pastor with absolutely perfect doctrine (i.e. just like yours). It is doubtful that one will ever find a pastor who always teaches with clarity and beauty. The meal he prepares may not always have seven courses and be served on fine china, but it should provide the sustenance you need to carry on.

  God makes it very clear that other shepherds besides Christ are necessary for leading and caring for His people. Don’t forsake the community of believers because you cannot find one good enough for you. If that is the case, start one of your own and invite others into the healing balm of your fellowship.

  Making a diligent and honest search for a true shepherd in the church of God is everyone’s responsibility. It is imperative that we find a fold where we can be properly fed and where we can serve. The enemy has scattered the flock through extensive doctrinal changes, and harsh and improper treatment. God has placed us in a body as it has pleased Him. Let’s function as a body and care for one another. No one need be scattered, alone, and without the comfort of the sheepfold.