Leaders Devotion 10: Caring for the Sheep of His Pasture

When God chooses you to lead His people, it is a great privilege but also an awesome responsibility, not to be entered into lightly. It's not about what you can get as a leader, but God wants you to give that makes it a sobering and holy calling. Over the next few weeks, let's look at what the Lord had to say to His shepherds through Jeremiah, his prophet, in Jeremiah 23:

“'Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!' declares the Lord" (Jeremiah 23:1).

What does this tell us about the Lord and His expectations and relationship with His leaders?

1. God is watching and evaluating our work.
2. He likens what we do to tending a flock, so there is much to learn from actual shepherds.
3. God expects His leaders to build up and not "destroy" His people. The relationship is to be one that gives life, not death or misery.
4. Leaders are to gather people, not scatter them. and they are gathered unto God and not to the leaders for their benefit.
5. The sheep are to be fed and cared for in God's pasture—which involves His love, counsel, and Word.

Are you mindful that God is watching you as you care for His people? Are you ready to give an account of the work you have done? Is your leadership about Him and His people or about you, your title, and your ministry? What steps can you take to become a better leader and shepherd of God's flock?

What else do you see from this one verse?