It would be difficult to estimate
the harm that has been done to the saints of God over the years
by the promotion of the concept of a clergical or ruling class
of men who have supposedly been set over the Lord's churches. We see the results of this played
out over and over again, even to the extent that it is quite
often true that various churches are referred to as elder or pastor
so-and-so's church. This is an error which is likely
regarded by most just like the concept of referring to a meeting
house in which an assembly gathers as a church. These errors are
not in themselves earth-shattering, but they do subtly alter the
proper concept which the scripture gives of what the church is,
as well as how the church is to function as an interactive
body, rather than as a school class which waits on its instructor. Many times churches are largely
dependent and often unable to function without the ministry
and input of a particular individual. Peter defines the very role of
shepherds, that is, pastors, and bishops, which are overseers,
by pointing out the one who is the ultimate shepherd and bishop.
Any activity on the part of those who have received these gifts
and callings, which is not patterned directly after the example of
him, is a departure from the scriptural ideal for these offices. Christ is the good shepherd.
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his
life for the sheep. Christ spared no expense in his
determination to minister to his sheep, even to the laying
down of his mortal body in their behalf. He is the pure example
because the sheep are his. He goes on to say that hirelings
cannot and will not do the same. Let no man say he has ever loved
the people of God completely, for only the good shepherd could
do so. We are exhorted to follow in
his steps. He is the ultimate servant who
humbled himself before his disciples, teaching them that the greatest
among them would of necessity be their servant. Christ is the
Great Shepherd. Now the God of peace that brought
again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of
the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto
the end. Because of his greatness, it
was impossible that the grave should ever hold him, especially
in light of the everlasting covenant which he sealed with his own
blood to manifest his utter triumph over his enemies and those who
were hidden in him from before the foundation of the world.
The very best of shepherds cannot continue by reason of death in
order to demonstrate the glory of him who was dead and is alive
forevermore. Christ is the chief shepherd,
and when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown
of glory that fadeth not away. He would not leave his children
without a comforter, nor would he depart from them never to
return. It is unfortunate that many view
their role as a shepherd as one might regard a job which they
can depart from according to their own needs or desires. The
role of pastor, that is, shepherd, must never be connected with
gain of any sort, whether it be money, comfort, or influence. How precious to consider that
Christ, our Chief Shepherd, will never leave us nor forsake us,
but will preserve us until that day when He shall return together
His purchased possession. He is the Bishop of our souls. He ever watches over that which
is His, even unto their own predetermined death. Precious in the sight
of the Lord is the death of His saints. He may lead his people
through the valley of the shadow of death, yet he will comfort
them there, for it is a pathway with which he is personally acquainted.
In this he has perfectly fulfilled Peter's exhortation to the elders
to be examples to the flock. How sweet to be reminded of our
bishop! For we have not an high priest
which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities,
but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find
grace to help in time of need. He is indeed the grandest of
all overseers.