I have had the privilege of sitting in on some conference calls and to speak personally with several pastors since the beginning of the “pandemic” that the world is going through. To a man, the biggest desire on all of their hearts is to see the flock whom the Lord has made them overseers. They struggle with not being able to tend to the needs of their people. They may be able to preach using technology that is available or even has drive-in services, but it’s not the same as being together as a body or a flock.
Jesus compares His followers to sheep. Sheep are very dependent animals. The shepherd leads feeds and protects the flock. Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd.
John 10:14-16 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so, know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
The Lord cares for His individual sheep and the sheep are called to follow Him. He even spoke of the shepherd that would leave the fold of 99 and search for the one that was lost. His care for us is never-ending.
Those of us that are part of a church body or flock need to understand the heart of the man that the Lord has made overseer of his local flock. These men are not just hurting at this time because things are so different, but, they hurt for each church member. This is a time of anxiety for many of the flock and the under-shepherd wants to minister to the needs of the sheep. That goes beyond just preaching and praying. They have a heart of wanting to lead, feed, and protect those in his care. Pray for the Pastors that have the heart of a shepherd today. They are not only experiencing their own individual pain but, also they feel the hurt of every one of the sheep he leads.
Be sure that you are part of the flock of God. The Good Shepherd laid down His life for you so that you can be forgiven by the grace of God. He paid the price for our sin so that we can be in the fold. Won’t you trust in Christ today? Ask God to forgive your sin and accept as Jesus is the only way of having your sins forgiven and receive Him as your Savior. Make Him your Shepherd and you will know His heart.