“And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”  (Jeremiah 3:15)

We have a lot of Churches here in America; and with these churches there are Pastors. But how many of these Pastors are men after God’s own heart?

In the previous chapter, Jeremiah 2, the Lord was very displeased with those who were entrusted to proclaim His Word; this is what He said:

“The priests said not, Where is the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.” (Jeremiah 2:8)

The office of Pastor is a very important and serious position. The office of Pastor is as important as that of a firefighter or of a doctor. Firefighters, doctors, and even preachers are only instruments in the hand of God. A firefighter is an instrument; a doctor is temporary relief; a preacher is a delivery man, an advertising agent.

The firefighter is an instrument God uses many times to rescue a person from a burning fire. Those who are Pastors after God’s own heart are used of God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ; “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith…” (Romans 1:17). God uses this to manifest to the quickened sinner that he is alive in Christ.

A doctor helps to save a life temporarily, while a Pastor helps to save a life unto everlasting.

Those of you who are Pastors after God’s own heart are a ray of hope to a lost and dying, crooked and perverse generation. The Word of God says in Isaiah 52:7:

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”

(See also Romans 10:12-15.)

As a Pastor, or one who preaches the Gospel, we have to be sure that we are pure from the blood of all men; in that we do not fail to declare all the Counsel of God. The Call to being a Pastor has to be to those who have a heart for the souls of men.

Paul’s advice to those who have been made Overseers over God’s flock is to:

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28)

There are other responsibilities given to the man after God’s own heart that are found in Ephesians 4:

“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;” (Ephesians 4:11)

“For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:” (Ephesians 4:12)

Now, as a Pastor, you may feel inadequate for such a High Calling, a Holy Calling; and rightfully so, because we struggle with the flesh. But God knew all of your faults, frailties, failures, and inadequacies – yet He saw fit to call you!

I encourage you who are Pastors to consider diligently the reward that our Lord has in store for you because of your love and care for His People. And also think on those who have gone home who were under your leadership. Consider that they are now rejoicing in heaven because you cared enough to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto them; even the whole Counsel of God.

Pastors:

“…sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” (1 Peter 3:15)

Preach the Word!