When Jesus chose a metaphor to illustrate His concern and love for people, He identified Himself as the Good Shepherd. John 10:11, 14.
Paul tried very hard to pattern his ministry after that of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was not only an evangelist and theologian, but also a devoted shepherd and pastor.
A. Paul had a humble heart.
- He reflected more and more on the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23
- In all of his relationships, he tried to practice what he preached. Acts 20:18-19, 31
B. Paul had a courageous heart.
- He never compromised his message. Acts 20:20,27
C. Paul had a gentle heart.
- He told Timothy who was ministering in Ephesus. 2 Timothy 2:24-25
- In Ephesians, he exhorts believers to speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15
D. Paul had a protective heart.
- To guard against Satan’s evil attacks, he taught us that we all need accountability as shepherds and members of God’s family. Acts 20:28
E. Paul had a pure heart.
- He was determined to live above reproach. Example – Finance. Acts 20:33-34
- He did believe that as shepherds we should be cared for. 1 Timothy 5:17
So, to be effective in communicating God’s truth to others, we must model God’s truth.
As Christians, we should set our hearts on reflecting the qualifications Paul outlined for being good shepherds to God’s people.
In Acts 20:13-38 we read about Paul meeting with elders in Ephesus. In verse 28 we read “So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock — His church purchased with His own blood, over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders.”
What an awesome responsibility I have as a pastor-shepherd to you my His church family. I would welcome your prayers, that I might be a faithful shepherd. I need to faithfully feed myself on God’s Word so that I can refresh and strengthen you with good food from the Lord. It is my responsibility to protect you by helping you take a stand against the elements that would weaken our faith. I also have a responsibility to bring back ‘sheep’ who wander off or stray. That is easier said than done. Some ‘sheep’ don’t want to return to the safety of the flock. My heart has been so heavy for those who never returned after COVID. They are missing out on so much that is happening here at Jubilee. I pray that they will still return.
Well, these are the ramblings of this shepherd’s heart. I pray that the Holy Spirit will empower me to serve with the shepherd heart of our Savior.
In His love,
Pastor Leonard
