Jacob and Esau
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Christ is the chief Shepherd. He has intrusted the care of his flock
to under shepherds. He requires these shepherds to have the same
interest for his sheep which he has ever manifested, and to ever feel
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the responsibility of the charge he has intrusted to them. Ministers,
who are called of God to labor in word and doctrine, are Christ’s
shepherds. He has appointed them under himself to oversee and tend
his flock. He has solemnly commanded these to be faithful shepherds,
to feed the flock with diligence, to follow his example, to strengthen
the weak, nourish the fainting, and to shield them from devouring
beasts. He points them to his example of love for his sheep. To secure
their deliverance, he laid down his life for them. If they imitate his
self-denying example, the flock will prosper under their care. They
will manifest a deeper interest than Jacob, who was a faithful shepherd
over the sheep and cattle of Laban. They will be constantly laboring
for the welfare of the flock. They will not be merely hirelings, of
whom Jesus speaks, who possess no particular interest in the sheep,
who in time of danger, or trial, flee and leave the sheep. A shepherd
who labors merely for the wages he obtains, cares only for himself,
and is continually studying his own interest, and ease, instead of the
welfare of his flock.
Says Paul, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the
oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre,
but of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but
being ensamples to the flock. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and
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to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to
feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
All those professing to be shepherds, who feel that to minister in
word and doctrine, and bear the burdens, and have the care which every
faithful shepherd should have is a disagreeable task, are reproved by
faithful Paul, “Not by constraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but
of a ready mind.” All such unfaithful shepherds, the chief Shepherd
would willingly release. The church of God is purchased with the
blood of Christ, and every shepherd should realize that the sheep
under their care cost a priceless sum. They should be diligent in their
labor, and persevering in their efforts to keep the flock in a healthy,
flourishing condition. They should consider the sheep intrusted to their
care of the highest value, and realize that they will be called to render
a strict account of their ministry. And if they are found faithful they