“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. …...” – Heb 13:17

The Greek word translated “keep watch” means “to keep oneself awake; guard and care for”. Shepherds had to stay vigilant and watchful in order to protect their flocks from dangers. They need to observe their flocks carefully so that they are fully aware of whether a sheep was sick or missing. They have to look for the sheep that gone astray and restore them to the flocks. They have to lead the flocks to green pasture and clean water. (Ps 23:2; Eze 34: 1-16)

It is a high calling to shepherd God’s people, like our Lord Jesus who is a good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. Unlike the hired hands who run away when they see a wolf coming, they will watch over the flock and courageously protect the interest of the flock. (Jn 10:11-12) “Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task…is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of fullrespect…He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.” (1 Ti 3:1-7)

The Hebrews writer exhorted his readers to work harmoniously with their leaders so that they might lead with joy not grief. Let us continuously uphold our pastors in prayers.

Let’s pray.

Lord, I acknowledge it is a high calling to be a shepherd of your people. Please help me to uphold those who is pastoring over your flock in prayer every day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Before we go, take a look at the questionnaire below:

1. How should we understand the contrast between a true shepherd’s courage when facing danger and a hired hand’s tendency to flee? What does this teach us about the responsibilities of church leaders?

2. Why are Christians called to submit to their leaders? What is the significance of this submission for the church, for its leaders, and for each of us personally?

3. Consider specific ways in which you can pray for the pastors of your own church, supporting them as they carry out their responsibility to lead the congregation.