Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (2 Ti 1:13-14)
Here is the simple truth: either you are a sheep or you are not a Christian. God sends pastors because whether the people are easily led or not, they are most certainly easily misled. Apart from Christ and His death we are all easy prey for wolves—often because we admire the wolves and despise the weakness of God in the flesh on the cross.
The Lord sends shepherds to lead His flock to green pastures. The flock is led by the Good Shepherd’s voice, not by the pastor’s voice. If we have heard a thousand sermons about how sheep are stupid and stubborn animals, we should also know that the ranks of shepherds, in the real world, have never been filled with braniacs or men of valor. In fact, young boys like David could easily shepherd his father’s flocks. Here is the point: what our pastors are sent to do, a boy … could do.
But, in fairness, the same could be said of what it takes to be a marine. We might remember that the word infantry comes from the Latin word for “children.” Foot soldiers, infantrymen, were those who were too inexperienced to serve in the cavalry but were good in absorbing spear thrusts and cannonballs. What does it take to be a good marine or infantryman? Do what you are told. Follow orders. Be faithful. Do not sleep on your watch.
And yet, we know that no matter how simple it might be in concept, marines and good infantrymen are few and far between. So are good and faithful pastors.
Here is the simple truth: either you are a sheep or you are not a Christian. God sends pastors because whether the people are easily led or not, they are most certainly easily misled. Apart from Christ and His death we are all easy prey for wolves—often because we admire the wolves and despise the weakness of God in the flesh on the cross.
The Lord sends shepherds to lead His flock to green pastures. The flock is led by the Good Shepherd’s voice, not by the pastor’s voice. If we have heard a thousand sermons about how sheep are stupid and stubborn animals, we should also know that the ranks of shepherds, in the real world, have never been filled with braniacs or men of valor. In fact, young boys like David could easily shepherd his father’s flocks. Here is the point: what our pastors are sent to do, a boy … could do.
But, in fairness, the same could be said of what it takes to be a marine. We might remember that the word infantry comes from the Latin word for “children.” Foot soldiers, infantrymen, were those who were too inexperienced to serve in the cavalry but were good in absorbing spear thrusts and cannonballs. What does it take to be a good marine or infantryman? Do what you are told. Follow orders. Be faithful. Do not sleep on your watch.
And yet, we know that no matter how simple it might be in concept, marines and good infantrymen are few and far between. So are good and faithful pastors.
Pastor David H. Petersen, Gottestiendst, 2013:3
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