“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, to shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (vv.1-4)
What are the marks of a true shepherd? Our text describes four - attitude, purpose, manner, and accountability. True shepherds do their work with an attitude of willingness, not out of a sense of obligation (v. 2a). Second, the true shepherd's purpose is to serve others, rather than leading in order to serve one's own needs (v. 2b). Third, we see that a true leader does not “lord it over” others, seeking power and authority; rather, they offer a humble “example to the flock” (v. 3). And finally, a true shepherd of God's flock will always remember that there is a Chief Shepherd to whom they are accountable as well (v.4).
Ultimately, it is Christ's church, not ours. And Christ is the true Shepherd of His people. Therefore, any leader of Christ's church is only an under-shepherd (a steward) of that one great “Shepherd and Overseer of our souls” (1 Peter 2:25).
May we all strive to follow this example, and when we fall short, humbly ask for His forgiveness.
The Truth: "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20-21)
