…shepherds who feed only themselves.
Many years ago a young man from a small town went to study at the university. Unsure of what to do with his life, he studied a wide variety of topics. In his sophomore year, a campus ministry group that focused on college-age men discovered him. This group took him under their wing and counted him as one of their own until one day when they found out he was interested in religion.
It shouldn’t have been a surprise to them. He had all the signs; a passion for God’s Word, a love of Truth, and a hunger to know more. Thinking of the university as a place to learn he had taken a world religion class and found it very interesting.
The conflict came to light when the young man declared his major to be Religious Studies. He thought this was a good thing. After all, religion is about knowing God better, right? Well, not always. Unbeknownst to him, the brand of religious studies offered at this school was very secular at heart. You might say it was almost an anti-religious study program. Only he didn’t know that. But his campus ministry friends did.
Instead of staying close by his side to guard him during this very vulnerable time, they decided to exert their authority as shepherds. After all, that is how they saw themselves. They were shepherds who had discovered this lost sheep wandering around campus and “rescued” it, taking it in to be one of their own. When the sheep expressed an interest in this secular religion class they came down hard. In their best authoritarian voice, they demanded that the young man change his major.
“Why?” he asked.
The answer amounted to little more than, “Because…” Because they said so. Because what they taught wasn’t the Bible. Because … well, because they said so.
Not understanding, and not seeing anything wrong with studying more about religion, the young man bridled at being told what to do.
They doubled down on being authoritarian. Stepping into their God-shaped shoes, they sent several emissaries to warn the young man. “If you do this you are going to hell!” they said. The result was not what they wanted. The young man was puzzled, hurt, and curious, but also undeterred.
So they tossed him out like a piece of garbage.
Shepherds who feed only themselves are never satisfied because they are always hungry for more. More power, more authority, more compliance with their rules. These particular shepherds were so busy being Judge and Jury that they couldn’t be bothered trying to be a shepherd.
I am reminded of them because I was the young man. When I read Jude’s text I see in my mind’s eye young totalitarians trying to bully someone into complying with their rules. I am reminded of other stories, too. Other “shepherds” I’ve known over the years more concerned with material things like pensions, budgets, and facilities than caring for sheep.
Application: Real shepherds serve the Risen Lord and act like Him as well.
Food for Thought: How is it possible that the ”ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God,” end up being shepherds in the church?
I feel as though this is a Paul Harvey moment. My dad’s story is somewhat similar to Jeff’s. I can’t go into detail in this venue but would love to discuss with you, Jeff.
Thanks, JEC!
I’m looking forward to hearing his story! 🙂
There are a variety of reasons. One reason is that some see power in the job – as a pastor, I can’t for the life of me see that as much of an attraction (there really is not much power). I think theses people want to exercise their authority more than they want to sincerely shepherd God’s flock. Another reason is fame. If one plays the part right, they can get quite the following. The ego plays a huge role in this motivation. Of course, these are the same reasons Pharisees created so many problems. Matthew 6: 5 – 6; Luke 11: 42 – 52. The heart is the problem. Repentance and loving Jesus and others in the power of the Holy Spirit is the solution.
Rich,
Thank you for your comments this morning. More importantly, thank you for your service as a shepherd who serves the Lord. Who you are speaks clearly of your heart for Jesus.
Great testimony Jeff, thank you for being transparent.
Satan’s greatest ambassadors are not drug dealers, politicians, or power-brokers, but pastors, popes, pentecostals, prominent scholars and prophets who prophesy falsely to line their own pockets. Feed themselves at the expense of the flock. The Bible tells us that in the last days, many false prophets will arise and mislead many, Matthew 24:1.
We are living in a time when chaos, insanity and hatred toward Christianity are increasing at a rate never seen before. The propaganda machine is predominately filled with “ worldly “ people of authority, who are surrounded by supporters shaking their heads in agreement, as they contradict themselves in a single sentence, many spreading hate speech as they claim to be pillars of tolerance. Good is becoming evil, evil is becoming good, and the use of various methods of self-medication and prescription drugs is increasing rapidly.
The Holy Spirit is convicting the world and people are responding, John 16:8-12. Unfortunately many are choosing drugs to numb their minds or churches, led by Pastors who take advantage of the confusion and provide bandaids to those requiring triage.
As believers we must respond to the working of the Holy Spirit, allowing Jesus Christ to be seen in our life actions as well as words. As believers, we have been left in this world as soldiers for Christ, in spiritual combat against the forces of evil. Our weapon is the word of God Ephesians 6:10-18, and our effectiveness is directly linked to the time we spend in study and submission. Personal time in study under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is required for all God requires of us. 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:11, Psalm 119:105, 1Peter 3:15, John 17:17.
Ron,
Thank you for the encouragement and kind words. I especially appreciate the verses that you shared. Your words about spiritual combat are enhanced by knowing that you were in the Marine Corp. You know of what you speak.
Blessings brother!
Thanks Jeff,
We can’t just be Sunday morning Christians, depending on our Pastor to fully equip in 1 hour per week. Must train until we respond appropriately to every situation, without thinking, as God goes into action.,
Ron,
Preparedness is so important. We have seen that with the recent run on supplies at our local stores. It sounds like there is more to come. How much more important is spiritual preparedness? I think the answer is, “A lot!” Thank you for the reminder and encouragement to be in the Word and the Spirit constantly.
The problem may not only lie with quality of shepherds, but with the character of us as Christians.
When the world has invaded the lives of our Christian community with values that oppose biblical righteousness, it is difficult to hear God’s best coming through the pulpit.
Today for a pastor to call sin, sin, he must come against , in many cases today, the laws of the land.
There needs to be a new anointing to not only preach Godly living, but a deep thirst in the hearts of God’s people to hear and do God’s word.
Amen Anon.
Excellent Anon. All of these comments were very helpful to me. Thank you all.
👍🏻