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June 1 Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers
Shepherding the Flock
“[Christ] gave some, . . . evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers”
(Ephesians 4:11).
Let missionaries be laboring two and two in different parts of all
our large cities. The workers in each city should frequently meet
together for counsel and prayer, that they may have wisdom and
grace to work together effectively and harmoniously. Let all be wideawake
to make the most of every advantage. Our people must gird
the armor on and establish centers in all the large cities. 1
Eloquent sermons will seldom do the work of breaking up longestablished
habits of selfishness, and leading the church to a deep
Christian experience. The true servant of God will be in earnest. He
will manifest humility of soul, and will labor untiringly for the church
of God. He will reveal the attributes of the faithful shepherd, and will
tenderly care for the sheep of the Lord’s pasture. He will “be watchful,
and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die”
(Revelation 3:2).
A true shepherd of souls will care for the sheep and lambs of his
flock; and the love of Christ, filling his own heart, will flow through
him to them. He will guard them carefully. His tender love for his
charge has been presented in a picture I have seen representing
Christ, the true Shepherd. The shepherd is leading the way, while
the flock follow closely behind. Carried in his arms, and enfolded in
his robe, is a helpless lamb, while its mother walks trustingly by his
side.
The prophet Isaiah, speaking of the work of the true Shepherd,
says, “He shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his
bosom” (Isaiah 40:11). The lambs need more than daily food. They
look to the shepherd for protection. They need watchcare. The one
that goes astray must be faithfully searched for until it is found and
restored to the fold. The figure is a beautiful one, and well represents
the faithful, loving service that the undershepherd of the flock of
Christ is to give to those under his protection and care. 2
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