Session 3 'The pastor's heart' - The Good shepherd

In the 34th Chapter of the book of Ezekiel God rebukes the neglectful shepherds of Israel through the prophet " Woe to the shepherds of Israel" He lists the duties of a good shepherd as...

• Feeding & tending the flock
• Strengthening the weak
• Healing the sick
• bandaging the wounded
• bring back the strays
• seeking the lost

I encourage you to read the 34th chapter of this book, as God speaks in the strongest terms about his concern for the flock. In it we find a great 'template' for pastoral care - As a pastor its one of my favourite chapters & my most frightening, as I realise that one day I will be held accountable for my care of God's people! Its a great parallel passage to our portion in John.

Lets turn together to John 10 verses 7-10
"I assure you I am the door of the sheep, All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them; I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy, I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance." (HCSB)

We have a 'Verily, verily' statement or a 'double amen' (Heb 'awman' faithful & reliable -a pillar truth) He has alluded to this in his first attempt to communicate his point, now he states it directly and plainly! "I AM the door of the sheep." prefaced by the 'double amen' there could be no stronger affirmation of this key truth. Astoundingly he repeats himself AGAIN! 'I AM THE DOOR' - do you get the feel Jesus is wanting to make sure we don't miss this? Notice he dosn't say 'I am the door TO the sheep' - but that he is 'the door FOR the sheep'? Don Flemming comments on this: "To explain further, Jesus likened himself to a door, by which people could come to God and so find life, freedom, protection and provision. The Jewish leaders, instead of leading people to God, exploited and oppressed them" (Bridge Bible Handbook on John 10 p118) Jesus is our point of entry to the abundant life of the Kingdom. We as leaders are pointing people to him, and making sure they have safe access in/out of the fold. The Religious leaders were opportunistic & prevented people from relationship with the shepherd of their souls. As a thief comes to exploit and ravish the flock without a care to its welfare, to contrast, Jesus comes as the safe door to kingdom abundance. The reality is that each of us must pass through Jesus to find this quality of life. We are under shepherds guiding people through to 'greener pastures' in Christ. I consider this to be the absolute priority of pastoral work. How are you bringing others into this in your small group?

Next week Session 3 'The pastor's heart' - 'Wolves & Hirelings' or 'good help is hard to find!'
Have a great week in God.
Ps Rhett