476. EZE 34:2. GOSPEL MINISTERS SHEPHERDS

Eze_34:2. Gospel Ministers Shepherds

"The shepherds of Israel."’97Eze_34:2.

The prophet is referring to the indolent unfaithful shepherds who neglected the flocks committed to their care, and thus brought upon themselves the displeasure of God. It is, however, with the term itself that we have to do. Jesus Christ is the great and good shepherd, and ministers under him are the shepherds or pastors of their respective flocks.

It was the gracious promise of God that he would give his people "pastors according to his own heart," Jer_3:15. And the appointment of this office is directly designed for the comfort, well-being, and safety of the people of God. Observe,

I. Christian Ministers as Shepherds have devolving upon them the care of Christ’s Flock.

Believers are likened to sheep,’97the sheep of the Lord’s pasture. In their collective capacity, they are compared to a flock. The flock of God. They are exposed to many evils. Are surrounded by numerous enemies. Are liable to many wants and diseases. Are entirely insufficient for their own preservation, &c. To promote their comfort and safety, God sends his servants to take the oversight of them and to care for them as the shepherd careth for his flock. This is an office, then, connected with the appointment of God, and for which he gives every necessary qualification.

II. Christian Ministers as Shepherds must feed their Flocks.

They must do this by leading them into green pastures, &c.

(1) The pastures of the divine word. Where there is an exhaustless fulness and variety of refreshing promises.

(2) The pastures of divine ordinances. Where God showers down the manna of heaven,’97bread of life,’97the rich provision of his house. "I will abundantly bless her provision," &c. Now the shepherd is to render the word instructive and consolatory, and the ordinances refreshing and edifying. He is to do this by clearly explaining and opening the treasures of God’s word. And by giving to each of his flock a portion of meat in due season.

III. Christian Ministers as Shepherds are to watch over their Flocks.

To warn them against danger,’97"Warning every man." To admonish, to counsel, and to direct them into safe and plain paths. Their dangers are numerous. From the world, from Satan, from false professors, from their own weakness, &c. Against each and all these sources of evil, the shepherd is to watch for the safety of the flock. How necessary then is a spirit of holy energy, vigilance, &c.

IV. Christian Ministers as Shepherds are to regard especially the Weak and afflicted of the Flock.

Sheep are peculiarly liable to disease. In Christ’s flock many are the infirmities and sicknesses which prevail. What spiritual weakness,’97what imperfection of knowledge,’97what self-trusting and complacency. "Who can understand his errors?" How often is spiritual disease evident in the mind, in the heart, in the spirit, in the conversation, in the walk and conduct. Now it is for the shepherd to labor for the healing of these maladies. To lead his afflicted people to the great physician, and to the balm of Gilead. He is to bind up their wounds; to strengthen the weak; to recover the straying; and to seek the perfection and eternal well-being of all.

V. Christian Ministers as Shepherds must give an Account of their Flocks.

They are responsible to God. God will demand an account. He is now observant of all they do. He will summon shepherds and flocks before his solemn tribunal. Faithful shepherds shall receive from the hands of the great shepherd "a crown of glory that fadeth not away, &c., 1Pe_5:4.

Application

1. How truly solemn is the office of the Christian shepherd’97the charge of souls. The responsibility of deathless souls.

2. How necessary for its right discharge are divine qualifications and help Christ is the great, model,’97the Bible, the pastor’s guide. The grace of God his daily and sufficient resource.

3. Faithful shepherds should have the kind sympathy and aid of all the members of the church. How the apostles were thus assisted; by pious deacons,’97often by holy women, &c.

4. How glorious the meeting when all the flock of God, with each shepherd, shall appear before Christ to receive his blessing, even life for evermore.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS