Today’s Reading, Jeremiah 23-25
Focal Scripture: Jeremiah 23:4 “I will raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will no longer be afraid or discouraged, nor will any be missing.” This is the Lord’s declaration.”
The last two days we have discussed false prophets and the main qualification to be pastor. Today, we will discuss what the marks are of a good shepherd. I have been blessed to serve under and be pastored by great biblical examples of a shepherd. These men have influenced me and encouraged me in my walk. To watch them live the same way at church and away from church has set a high standard that must be met by myself and for others.
In today’s reading we see the declaration from the Lord about what is going to happen to bad shepherds. These shepherds have scattered the sheep. They have not attended to the people and they caused pain. However, we see here that God will raise up shepherds who will actually tend to the sheep. The people will know what it is like to not be afraid or discouraged. They will be sought by the shepherd if they go missing. People deserve good shepherds but these men must be trained and raised up by the Lord.
So what are the marks of a good shepherd? Patience, godliness, the ability to preach and teach. A good shepherd cares about all the sheep and treats them all well, even the difficult ones. A good shepherd is a man of prayer who prays for all those in his care. He speaks well of them even if they are dirty and cause him pain. A good shepherd has a heart that will allow nobody to hurt those he leads. This includes personal, verbal, or even physical attacks. A good shepherd leads by example and you are certain how he acts in public is also how he acts in private.
I know writing this that some of you have been hurt and wounded by bad shepherds. Know you’re not alone, I have experienced that damage as well. It is difficult to reconcile how a person who is supposed to have the qualities laid out in scripture can treat people poorly.
Know this truth, that good shepherds exist. You will know them by examining their life and not just their public persona. Charisma is not a spiritual gift but humility and meekness are a trait biblical holiness. Those are the markers of a biblical shepherd.
If you have been hurt or experienced spiritual abuse by a person who calls themselves a shepherd I encourage you to get counseling. Find a church that has high standards for their shepherd and will hold them accountable if they don’t meet those standards. Also don’t judge every church because one person isn’t qualified to lead a congregation. Good shepherds exist. Have high standards and call out those who have disqualified themselves from pastoral ministry.
If you are called into ministry learn from someone who is and has a soft heart. Learn from someone who only speaks well of people. Be mentored by someone who sees the good in others and doesn’t tear other people down regardless of what they have done. If we want good shepherds we must keep the biblical standard. We know the traits that should be leading our churches. Pray that God will raise men up who have that kind of heart.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Jeremiah 26-29
