As the good shepherd taught

One of the important responsibilities of a pastor, a spiritual shepherd, is to feed the flock. The shepherds of Israel were criticised heavily by the prophets when they failed to do this (Ezekiel 34:1-24). Jesus described himself as the good shepherd and after his earthly ministry had been completed, he committed this responsibility to his disciples. Three times he instructed Peter to feed his sheep and it is clear that this refers to teaching (John 21:15-17). The apostle Paul in his final words to the elders at Ephesus said that he had not failed to declare to them the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:17-38). To do this thoroughly he stayed with them for three years before moving on.

One of the benefits of understanding the whole counsel of God, he said, was that it would build them up and enable them to receive the inheritance that God wanted them to have. Without it they would be weak, immature, vulnerable and impoverished. This was especially important in an age before printing when people did not have their own Bibles. But it is just as important when they do because like the Ethiopian traveller people often need help to understand what they have read (Acts 8:26-40).

What practical conclusions may we draw for ourselves from this? Firstly the godly pastor must spend time feeding himself by reading and meditating on the scriptures prayerfully and over the course of time become familiar with the whole. Secondly, the godly pastor must declare and explain it to his people so that they grow up to be fruitful disciples. Without the first, there will be nothing to give. The aim must surely be to provide fresh nourishment, a meal at a time, just as the children of Israel had manna in the wilderness. Without this serious commitment, God's people will suffer spiritual malnutrition (1 Timothy 4:6-16).

But, of course, another question follows: 'What should I teach?' There is no universal syllabus set out in the Bible. There is no list of subjects, although there is a list of foundation topics in Hebrews 6:12, which is a good beginning. It is not hard to find a reason for this. Situations are different. People are different. Even within the family of God people are at different stages of the Christian life and different seasons of life. This is why we need the Holy Spirit to guide. The Godly pastor will ask God and listen and speak what God gives. Repetitively speaking on a favourite theme will not be sufficient. Nor will speaking on what he or she finds personally helpful. What is needed is what God wants the people to hear.

If this is a growth area for you, here are a few suggestions to consider. Perhaps as you ponder, the Holy Spirit will shine a spotlight on one of them. 

Our salvation has three dimensions, past, present and future. We need all three perspectives. 

1. Our people need to know that our faith rests first and foremost on what God has done. All our efforts and our activities are a response to this. God has made the initiative. He has made the grace available. There is nothing we can do to reverse or undo what God has done. This provides the basis for a sense of security and confidence in God. So we need to teach them firstly to look backwards to the past to be confident in what God has accomplished through the cross of Jesus Christ.

2. Our people need hope for the future. So we need to explain our future hope that one day Jesus Christ will return (Acts 1:11, 2 Thessalonians 1:20). There will be a renewed creation. There will be a reward for faithful service and for suffering for the faith. Things that were hidden will be revealed. So God's people need to look forwards to the future and our destination and the goal. Some of the challenges we face will not be resolved in our own lifetime. So we keep on going because the sufferings of the present are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us (Romans 8:18-30, Hebrews 11). But that does not mean we just sit down and wait! 

3. Our people need to know that the life they live now,  they live with God and in Christ (John 15:1-17). Everything we do is ultimately an expression of obedience and an offering of worship. This gives value to even the most routine and mundane activities. It helps us do things well and with thankfulness (Colossians 3:16-17). If we see things this way we will not despise the small things of life. We will not complain or grumble. We will press on when we are taken for granted or misunderstood. So in thinking about the present God's people need to look upwards. And there is a great deal in the Bible about persevering and overcoming (James 1:2-16, Revelation 1-3).

Teaching all three perspectives provides balance. There is enough in this for several weeks. There are some key scripture references (in brackets) indicated throughout this article. But those who are familiar with the scriptures will know many others. May God bless and prosper you in your ministry of feeding the flock.

Chris Moffett