GOD "GIVES" HUMAN SHEPHERDS (PASTORS)!

           

THE GOD-GIVEN HUMAN SHEPHERD (Pastors, elders, etc.)

"…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 NIV).  “…He gave some …..pastors (shepherds) and teachers…” (Ephesians 4:11 NIV). “…I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them… saith the LORD…” (Jeremiah 23:4 KJV). “…I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd…” (Ezekiel 34:23 KJV).

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The ushers opens the DOORS of the church for the human shepherd. Some of us see ushers escort them to the pulpit every Sunday morning.

The Shepherd, in John chapter 10, was the FIRST to ENTER the GATE in the parable. “…But the one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep…” (John 10:1-10 NASB).

…The shepherd  ,,,[therefore]…of the sheep…” is “…the one who enters through the gate…” AND “… The …[usher]…  …opens the gate for him…”(John 10:1-10 NASB).

Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, and he calls men to be shepherds. They are called pastors or elders. “…Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder… shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. …Peace be to you all who are in Christ…” (1 Peter 5:1-4 NASB).

Human shepherds/pastors come in through the GATE too “…as your fellow elder…”  

God ASSIGNS human shepherds to tend his SHEEP so his sheep can continually HEAR “HIS” voice through them. “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 NIV).  “…He gave some …..pastors (shepherds) and teachers…” (Ephesians 4:11 NIV). “…I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them… saith the LORD…” (Jeremiah 23:4 KJV). “…I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd…” (Ezekiel 34:23 KJV).

The human shepherd/pastor/elder goes into the doors of the church or GATEWAY to minister or feed the SHEEP by being a mouthpiece (voice) for God. The human shepherd is to speak God’s message. “… [so]...the sheep …[will]…recognize [god’s]… voice … [through the human shepherd]… and come to him…” (John 10:1-10 NASB).

A shepherd, of a flock of sheep, would guide them into green pastures, to streaming waters or troughs, and later lead them into a sheepfold. “…I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them...” (Ezekiel 34:23 KJV).

The shepherd would count each one as they go under the rod of the entrance door to make sure NONE was missing.

A shepherd NEVER left the sheep, but watches over them at all times; sometimes with the help of certain dogs or human assistants.

If one happened to wander away, the shepherd would leave the rest of the flock to find the lost sheep and bring it back to safety. The bible says, “…The Lord their God will rescue his people, just as a shepherd rescues his sheep…” (Zechariah 9:16 KJV). “…As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered …” (Ezekiel 34:12 KJV).

After the sheep were safety tucked away in the sheepfold, the shepherd would guard the entrance, during the night, by lying in front of the gate to prevent any attacks from wild animals or thieves.

Adam’s son Abel was the first recorded shepherd (Genesis 4:2 KJV). Being a shepherd was once a very renowned occupation in the early biblical days of the Israelites.

References to shepherd or shepherding appears over 200 times and have been translated to mean “feed” or “feeding.”

The title “shepherd” came to represent the offices of king, prophet, leader, and Jesus, who said he was the chief shepherd. “…When the chief Shepherd shall appear…” (1 Peter 5:4 KJV).

The most convincing references and scripture that play a role in inspiring this topic is the book of John, chapter 10, where Jesus calls himself “…the good shepherd..” (John 10:11 KJV).

“…The GOOD shepherd giveth his life for the sheep…” points to God’s relationship, through Christ, with the believer (John 10:11 KJV).

When Jesus was getting ready to ascend into heaven, he commissioned shepherds to “….feed his sheep. ..” (John 21 KJV). “…This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. …Jesus saith to Simon Peter …lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep…” (John 21:14-17 KJV).

A human shepherd is God-given. “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV). “…He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 44:28 KJV).

A human shepherd of God’s people will guide, lead, protect, and care for them. “…Lead them like a shepherd, and carry them in your arms forever…” (Psalms 28:9 NLT).  “…Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes…” (Isaiah 40:11 NASB).

A human, God appointed shepherd will demonstrate tender, loving care toward the sheep as he or she guides or drives them to feed and nourish themselves in the pastures and waters of God’s Word. “…You will be the shepherd of my people Israel…” (2 Samuel 5:2 KJV). “…The shepherds of my people Israel…” (2 Samuel 7:7 KJV).

“NOT” all shepherds are “good” or “obedient” shepherds. “…The shepherds of my people have lost their senses. They no longer seek wisdom from the Lord. Therefore, they fail completely, and their flocks are scattered…” (Jeremiah 10:21 NLT).  “…The leaders of my people— …his shepherds— are blind and ignorant. They are like silent watchdogs that give no warning when danger comes. They love to lie around, sleeping and dreaming…” (Isaiah 56:10 KJV). “…They are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter…” (Isaiah 56:11 KJV).  “…Your shepherds are asleep…” (Nahum 3:18 NLT). “…They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves…” (Jude 1:12 KJV).

However, Paul compared the church and its pastor to a FLOCK and its SHEPHERD. “…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…” (Acts 20:28 KJV).

In Latin “shepherd” transliterated means “pastor.” “…The gatekeeper opens the gate for [the shepherd or pastor] … Those who come in through [the doors]… will be saved....” (John 10:1-10 NASB).

“...He that entereth in BY THE DOOR is the SHEPHERD of the SHEEP…” (John 10:2 KJV). The SHEPHERD is the MAIN “ONE” who enters by the door. However, the FLOCK must follow and enter the SAME way. The shepherd goes into the FLOCK who are in the SHEEPFOLD (church body).

Being within a particular sheepfold keeps God’s sheep SET APART and safe from “…thieves and robbers…” (John 10:1 KJV). “…The thief cometh not, but to STEAL, and to KILL, and to DESTROY…” (John 10:10 KJV).

The entrance is symbolic of the proper and established way to enter into the SHEEPFOLD. “…I am the DOOR…” (John 10:9 KJV). “…He that entereth not by the DOOR into the SHEEPFOLD but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and robber...” (John 10:1 KJV).

The SHEPHERD will ALWAYS choose to enter through the established WAY and the USHER readily OPENS the door to him. “…TO HIM …[THE USHER] … OPENETH …” (John 10:3 KJV).

God in his wisdom and through the indwelling power of the HOLY SPIRIT appoints shepherds to “FEED” his sheep and successfully “CARE” for them. “…it is God who works in [pastors]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose…” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip [pastors]… with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in [them]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

Christ has established the WAY in which to enter the SHEEPFOLD or community of believers. “…I am the DOOR…” (John 10:9 KJV). “…I am the gate....” (John 10:1-10 NASB). “…Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY … no man cometh unto the Father, but by me…” (John 14 6 KJV).

Jesus has also established the WAY in which USHERS, like he did, are to GUARD the entrance into the SHEEPFOLD.  “…I lay down my life…” (John 10:17 KJV). “…I am the DOOR; “BY ME” if any man enter in, he SHALL be SAVED…” (John 10:9 KJV). “…… no man cometh unto the Father, but by me…” (John 14 6 KJV).

Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, often officiated as an USHER by OPENING DOORS for people. “…God had …opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles…” (Acts 14:27 KJV). “…A certain woman named Lydia …heard us: whose heart the Lord opened…” (Acts 16:14 KJV). “…Praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance…” (Colossians 4:3 KJV). “…behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it…: (Revelation 3:8 KJV). “…I have opened a door for you that no one can close…” (Revelation 3:8 NLT).

OPENING the DOORS of the church to allow the FLOCK into the SHEEPFOLD is not only to BRING God’s sheep “IN”, but to ALSO to KEEP “the thief” OUT. “…For we are the temple (body, flock of sheep) of the living God; just as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. “…Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean…” (2 Corinthians 6:13-17 NASB).

Sheep are welcomed through the DOORS of the church to HEAR, pay ATTENTION to, UNDERSTAND, PRACTICE through obedience, and walk in FAITH after listening to the VOICE of God’s chosen shepherd, whom he has SENT. “…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV). “…He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 44:28 KJV).

The shepherd is God’s mouthpiece and uses the WORD to speak to God’s people. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).

A shepherd leads and guides sheep to the pastures and waters of God’s HOLY ordinances that they may learn and nourish themselves on the precepts of God’s Word. “…The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer…” (Psalms 19:7-14 KJV).

“…The …[ushers]… opens the gate for… [the shepherd or pastor] ....” (John 10:1-10 NASB). They are OPENING the DOORS of the church to let the SHEPHERD come in and FEED the sheep. The shepherds are the VOICE of God’s message.

The USHERS escort the shepherds to the pulpit as a show of honor for the pastor, in which God has sent.

The USHERS OPENED the DOOR to the shepherd knowing he is the ONE who will TEACH the sheep to FOLLOW Jesus.

JESUS is the WAY and it is in his FOOTSTEPS the sheep are to FOLLOW. The sheep will listen to HEAR God’s voice, God’s truth, and God’s instructions through the shepherd. “… The sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger;....” (John 10:1-10 NASB).

“…I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding…” (Jeremiah 3:15 KJV). “…The …[ushers]… opens the gate for… [the shepherd] ....” (John 10:1-10 NASB).