by jerichobrawler » Sat Nov 22, 2014 10:37 am
As I have pondered the meaning of being an undershepherd serving the True Shepherd, I cannot help but wonder at the interplay between grace and responsibility. God is our True Shepherd, and He is a Good Shepherd (see John 10). He leads us in paths of righteousness, to green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23). He even lays down His life for us, His sheep. He is a compassionate, gracious, and dedicated Shepherd of His little flock.
At the same time, He is also a just Shepherd - and for those of us who are called to be pastors, there are many warnings against failure. Ezekiel 34 has harsh words for the shepherds of Israel who failed the sheep. James 3 also warns that "not many of you should presume to be teachers", and I think it is safe to take "teacher" as a metaphor for "shepherd". The Lord is our Shepherd - a good, kind and compassionate Shepherd - and yet, for those who lead as undershepherds, there is this note of warning, and of dreadful responsibility.
Perhaps this is just the old interplay between law and grace again. Perhaps this is just another instance of paradox in the Christian faith. But it is not always easy to live in a paradox. At times, I think it is even harder to pastor in it.
As I have pondered the meaning of being an undershepherd serving the True Shepherd, I cannot help but wonder at the interplay between grace and responsibility. God is our True Shepherd, and He is a Good Shepherd (see John 10). He leads us in paths of righteousness, to green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23). He even lays down His life for us, His sheep. He is a compassionate, gracious, and dedicated Shepherd of His little flock.
At the same time, He is also a just Shepherd - and for those of us who are called to be pastors, there are many warnings against failure. Ezekiel 34 has harsh words for the shepherds of Israel who failed the sheep. James 3 also warns that "not many of you should presume to be teachers", and I think it is safe to take "teacher" as a metaphor for "shepherd". The Lord is our Shepherd - a good, kind and compassionate Shepherd - and yet, for those who lead as undershepherds, there is this note of warning, and of dreadful responsibility.
Perhaps this is just the old interplay between law and grace again. Perhaps this is just another instance of paradox in the Christian faith. But it is not always easy to live in a paradox. At times, I think it is even harder to pastor in it.