Key Scripture: Jeremiah 3:15 “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”
The word “pastor” in this verse can be translated “shepherd” depending on the Bible version you are reading. It derives from the Latin noun which means shepherd. Interestingly, it also derives from the verb “pascere” which means "to lead to pasture, set to grazing, cause to eat.” This active word of providing nourishment helps us better understand it’s use in our verse.
In Jeremiah 3, the Lord’s people had been faithless, and He called them to return to Himself. In this verse, He is lovingly providing shepherds to His people according to His will. While it was a loving act, it was also a necessary act of provision. The people needed to be led according
to God’s heart and desires and needed to be nourished properly in order to grow rightly. So He provided pastors according to His will and purposes. Today, God continues to lovingly and protectively provide our pastors. They are a necessary gift to us from God. As they faithfully administer the Word that nourishes us, we grow to look more like our Creator. They “preach the word... in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Tim. 4:2)
We can rejoice in who the Lord has provided because as they faithfully carry out their ministry, they reflect His heart!
Questions to Consider:
Has a pastor in our church positively impacted your life? In what specific way? Have you considered how you can thank them for showing you the heart of the Lord?
Prayer Prompts:
- Lord, we thank You and praise You for who You have provided to lead in our church. Let us be church members who honor those Youhave chosen to reflect Your heart.
Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”