Pastoring is hard work. You are a shepherd and shepherds
have historically been at the bottom of the socio-economic structure. Shepherds
tend to their flocks 24/7. They don’t get breaks and they certainly don’t get
much respect. They work out in the fields trusting only in the provisions of
God. Shepherds don’t get plaques of recognition and they don’t receive lofty
positions of accolade. They just work. Pastors work in the heat and in the
cold. They work in the day and in the night. They get dirty and tired always
tending to their flock. It’s no wonder Paul said, “And we labor, working with our own hands.
Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made
as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.” (1 Cor. 4:12-13)
This is your life. You didn’t choose it, God called you to it. Sometimes you
get frustrated and then you are reminded it was Moses’ frustration with the
people of God that prevented his entrance into the Promised Land. So you repent
and keep working. Sometimes you feel like quitting and like Jeremiah feel that
God “induced you” but you cannot quit because God’s word is in your heart like
a burning fire and you cannot hold it back. (Jer. 20:9) You could have chosen a
thousand other things to do with your life but they would all be a demotion from
the highest calling of all. You suffer in the toil and the tears. You are
always surrounded by sheep but always feel alone. You walk with Jesus. And in
all of this you remain faithful because He remains faithful to you. You know
that one day you will step across the threshold into your heavenly home and it
will all be worth it. How beautiful it will be to hear those words, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you
have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.
Enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matt. 25:23) Don’t be discouraged. Tend
to Christ’s sheep as the under-shepherd. The Chief Shepherd will soon appear
and it will all be worth it. Press On!
