As the Apostle Paul was getting on in his years, and was on his last great missionary journey (that would ultimately lead to his death), he called a meeting with the Elders of the Ephesian Church as he was passing through. His main command to them is found in Acts 20:28: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
Though Paul was specifically talking to the leaders of the church, I was struck by the fact that God has given, or will give us all, a Little Flock to shepherd; also, He has equipped us with the tools necessary to do our jobs well.
Whether you are a pastor or deacon, a mom or dad, a business owner or a manager, leading a Bible study or a team of volunteers… God has given you a flock to oversee and He wants you to do it well! We should not overlook this charge. It was one of Paul’s last directives to his beloved leaders in Ephesus and it was important.
Christian, what flock has God given you? Are you shepherding it well?
As always, when God gives us a task, He gives us the means to do it. You may think that in order to shepherd your little flock really well, you need to have a certain skill set or specific abilities or resources. What is really incredible about what Paul is telling these pastors is that they will be built up and ready for this task by the word of God’s grace. Verse 32 says: “And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up.”
Brothers and Sisters, as fellow followers of Christ and partners in the work of God, I encourage you, shepherd your little flock well! Take courage, for God’s grace will build you up for this task. He will empower you to lead well and give you the heart of Christ, who is able to give us everything we need and more! Live in His grace, be rooted in His grace and be built up in His grace.
Ephesians 1:7- 8 says that the riches of God’s grace have been lavished upon us. That is such a great picture. I think that if we truly understand the depth of that grace and lived in it, we would be able to make a huge impact in the lives of those who are dear to us.
In His Immeasurable Grace,
Austin
Posted in A Word from the Pastor