Pastor/Shepherd/Elder - Part 6

In this passage in Acts Paul assembles the elders from Ephesus to give them a final charge. This would be both a passionate and sad scene in a movie as he reminds them of whats at stake and they say their final goodbyes knowing that Paul was headed toward his destiny with death for the sake of the Gospel.

Notice he says there is only one message:

V 21: I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

This is our task as pastors. Leading people to make the life changing decision to turn from their way to THE WAY - and ten having faith in Christ to continue following him. Its not a job for sissies because there are always enemies of the gospel and the church. Even from within. Check out his warning:

28 "So guard yourselves and God's people. Feed and shepherd God's flock—his church, purchased with his own bloods—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders. 29 I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves, will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock.30 Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following.31 Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

Guard yourself. Guard the church. VICIOUS wolves will come in to attack. The goal of the enemy is divide the flock and separate the weakest and take them out. Our strength is in being together so the wolf scatters and divides. And sometimes people inside have an agenda. They want a following - they like the role of being important - so again Paul says "watch out!!"

These are stern warnings. We are like shepherds watching over a flock of sheep at night. The day is at hand but right now it is night. The enemy lurks in the shadow waiting patiently to strike - and strike he will. So we have to be awake, sober, vigilante, on guard.

Also we see here Paul's passionate love for these Elders. This was a team of people wholly committed to one another. Night and day he watched over them, prayed for them, cared for them. As pastors we have to have the idea "I got your your back and I know you got mine! Lets do this!"

I am so grateful for the people I serve with. I want to know them better, care for them more, and be a better pastor that watches for their soul day and night so that together we can turn the world upside down and keep our flock in tact and away from the enemy!

Created over 2 years ago