Thursday, September 12, 2013

THE SHEPHERD’S STANDARD: The Feeding of Sheep


“A bishop then must be…able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2 NKJV)

Many of the character qualities found in the pastor’s requirements are likewise listed in the deacon’s description.  The ability to teach is a notable exception.

Both pastors and deacons are expected to lead the flock in its mission and be willing to bleed for the flock in their ministry, but only the pastor is expected to feed the flock with his message.  It is part of what sets him apart from other church leaders.  If he cannot effectively communicate the Word of God, he will be unfruitful in the work of God.

The kind of teaching required is not just giving information from Scripture, but getting transformation by Scripture.  Such truth must master the teacher so that he is an incarnation of the Word.  The truth must further be mastered by the teacher so there can be accurate transmission of that Word.

It is notable where this pastoral responsibility falls in the list of character qualities.  There are a number of important virtues that precede it, as if to suggest that unless these are evident in his life, then his message will be rejected as the poisonous weeds of a hypocrite instead of the palatable food from a holy man of God.

The International Standard Version translates this as, “teachable.”  While, I don’t think that is the best translation, it must be underscored that unless a pastor is teachable, he will be incapable of teaching.  Leaders are learners.  They cannot bring others to drink from the stream of Truth unless they know from experience what it is to have their thirst satisfied.  Until we have fed our souls in the green pastures of the Bible, we will not be able to lead God’s flock to be nourished there.

A PRAYER

Lord, Our Shepherd,
Thank You for giving us Your precious Word to feed our souls and thereby giving us the knowledge to bring your sheep to pasture there.  You never fail to satisfy us with this life-giving stream of Truth.  We have drunk of it time and time again.  Then, in that strength you impart, we have been enabled to direct Your flock to do the same.  The field has always been green and the stream never dry!  As day by day, Sunday by Sunday, year after year we have occasion to preach the Gospel, we bless You that there is never a lack of message for the famished sheep who come to us.  Glory!
In The Name of the Living Word, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

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