"Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers..."Except for the vocational pastors/elders, other elders in the church are not usually thought of as being Spirit-called, but Paul reminds them that they have been chosen by more than votes on a ballot.
One of the charges that Paul gives them is that they are to be on guard for the flock--they are the spiritual watchmen. As the writer of Hebrews says,
"they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you" (Hebrews 13:17).There was sobering confession given by the elders and the people this morning in regard to failure to uphold the care of the church and the submission of the congregation. This itself is well worth pondering throughout the week:
Elders: We have been commissioned by You, O Lord, to shepherd our flock. In our thoughts, our words, and our deeds, we have often failed to lead Your sheep to You, the Great Shepherd. We have neither been diligent to protect Your people from false ideas, false morality, or false teaching, nor have we pastorally led them by the hand to Jesus as their hope and stay. We forget who needs the most encouragement and for whom to pray. We avoid conflict because of fear, and we avoid compassion for lack of words. Our own souls have needed to flee to Jesus, so that we can direct others to Jesus.
People: In our thoughts, words, and deeds, we too have failed in our responsibilities towards those whom You have placed over us, and therefore we have sinned against You. We have not prayed for, showed respect, or been in submission to the shepherds Christ has placed over us. We speak disparagingly about our leaders. By our actions we show disdain for decisions made. We have thought more about what they are not doing for us than how we can be a help and ministry for the sake of Christ's kingdom.
All: Forgive us for our sins, and by the blood of Christ on our behalf, do not count our sins against us. Teach us your ways, O LORD, that we may walk in your truth; unite our hearts to fear your name. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ the great Shepherd of the sheep Amen.
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