Hired Hands

[Chaps13]

In commenting on Ezekiel 34, Dr. Laniak states, “Hired shepherds in the ‘real world’ were expected to be self-sacrificing in their work, increasing a flock’s numbers by careful attention to their needs. Those who were faithful were given a modest portion of the produce as pay� (p. 152). He goes on to note that there were some “shepherds who show no regard for the obvious needs of the flock� and “appear oblivious to the expectations inherent in their role as undershepherds.� In some ways I think that some things have not changed when it comes to pastoring the flock.

As I understand my role as a pastor, I am to be self-sacrificing and attentive to the needs of the flock. I have sought to do this. But, at times, the needs seem to be unending. On occasion, I have been tempted to ignore or turn a deaf ear to the needs of the sheep under my care – especially the ones that seem to always whine and complain. When this occurs, I am not being faithful to my call as a shepherd. It is not my role to do a job-for-pay. Rather, it is my call to be a shepherd. It is my role to care for the flock that has been entrusted to me.

I have seen “hired hands� that have shown no regard for the needs of the sheep – ignoring calls, not answering correspondence, not taking time to visit in the midst of crisis or need. I have known pastors who are not concerned about growing the church. I have heard pastors boast about their rights and neglect the needs of the flock.

As a pastor/shepherd, the flock is not my own. The flock that I tend belongs to the Creator God, the Lord of the Universe. I serve Him. When I forget that, I forget who I am and whose I am. I am not serving God, or the people, but myself.