The Chief Shepherd Protects His Flock

One thing you can do to help so that I don’t end up treating you, God’s flock, as MY flock is to continue to encourage the men of our congregation to be leaders here. When the church council and others bring their God-given experience and talents to the table, it helps the congregation to be more balanced than if the pastor made all the decisions. And I am grateful for the leadership we have here. The men that we have elected as councilmen are proactive in tackling the challenges that face us. Keep encouraging and assisting them in their work.

How else does God want me, your pastor, to serve you? Well, he wants me to serve willingly and not out of a sense of obligation. It’s hard not to fall into this trap though—especially when one of my tasks is to prepare a sermon every Sunday. This important privilege can quickly become something that I have to get done to prove that I’m working and worth the paycheck I receive. My attitude instead of course should be excitement over the fact that I get to pull the back the veil of God’s Word to the people of my congregation—that I get to divulge ancient secrets and truths your neighbors may not know.

What helps me approach sermon writing correctly is having the time to do it. So I’m really grateful that you support me to serve you full time and therefore I have the time to craft sermons rather than just throw some thoughts together. I appreciate how you provide a church secretary to take care of creating the bulletin and doing other administrative tasks that allow me to focus on shepherding.

What also helps me serve you cheerfully is when I have the opportunity to get into your homes and find out what challenges you face. When I’m in the habit of doing that, I find writing sermons to be a whole lot easier because I know what issues are close at heart. So when I start to make the home-visit rounds again, can you do all you can to make yourselves available for a visit?

I admit, the Apostle Peter’s words today were really directed more to me, your pastor, than to you, the congregation. Still, it was good for you to eavesdrop on the advice Peter gives. It shows just how concerned Jesus, the “Chief Shepherd” is for you. He is the one in charge of this congregation. He is watching over each of us. He proved his love for us when he, the shepherd laid down his life for the sheep. Now, I know you pet owners would do just about anything for your cats, your dogs, your rabbits, and goldfish, but would you do anything to keep a rabid dog safe? Would you speak soothing words to the racoon that got at your chickens again? No. We want to get rid of animals like that. Yet, those are the kind of sheep we often are—rebellious and ungrateful, and I include myself. In his love, Jesus gave his life to rescue us from a certain future in hell. And it’s this loving Jesus who speaks to both you, the flock, and to me, your shepherd this morning. We will listen to him that we may continue to enjoy his blessings. You, the flock, shouldn’t think you can run off on your own and don’t need the fellowship of the church. And I, your shepherd, will remember that I am here to serve you willingly, not to boss you around. May Jesus work such attitudes in our hearts! Amen.