Faithful Under-Shepherd
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the temple during His ministry on earth. All that He brings upon His
people in test and trial comes that they may gain deeper piety and
greater strength to carry forward the triumphs of the cross.
There had been a time in Peter’s experience when he was unwilling
to see the cross in the work of Christ. When the Saviour made known
to the disciples His impending sufferings and death, Peter exclaimed,
“Be it far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be unto Thee.”
Matthew
16:22
. Self-pity, which shrank from fellowship with Christ in suffering,
prompted Peter’s remonstrance. It was to the disciple a bitter lesson,
and one which he learned but slowly, that the path of Christ on earth
lay through agony and humiliation. But in the heat of the furnace fire
he was to learn its lesson. Now, when his once active form was bowed
with the burden of years and labors, he could write, “Beloved, think
it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though
some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are
partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed,
ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
Addressing the church elders regarding their responsibilities as
undershepherds of Christ’s flock, the apostle wrote: “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. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a
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crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
Those who occupy the position of undershepherds are to exercise a
watchful diligence over the Lord’s flock. This is not to be a dictatorial
vigilance, but one that tends to encourage and strengthen and uplift.
Ministry means more than sermonizing; it means earnest, personal
labor. The church on earth is composed of erring men and women,
who need patient, painstaking effort that they may be trained and
disciplined to work with acceptance in this life, and in the future life to
be crowned with glory and immortality. Pastors are needed—faithful
shepherds—who will not flatter God’s people, nor treat them harshly,
but who will feed them with the bread of life—men who in their lives
feel daily the converting power of the Holy Spirit and who cherish a
strong, unselfish love toward those for whom they labor.
There is tactful work for the undershepherd to do as he is called to
meet alienation, bitterness, envy, and jealousy in the church, and he