Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He has purchased with His Own Blood.
To gain a proper and complete understanding of the above Passage of Scripture, we must consider the Greek word prosecho which was translated as heed. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, In Greek, this word means to be cautious about or to have regard.
The Amplified Version of the Bible reads Take care and be on guard for yourselves, It is important for all those called to be Pastors (Shepherds) to take good care of themselves and live guarded lives. These people have been called by God to see after the flock. They are the Shepherds and overseers.
Many of you reading this have been called to be a Pastor/Shepherd/overseer. God has called you to take care of your flock but in order to do this, you must take care of yourself. This includes, but is not limited to, your physical condition. It also includes your mental, emotional, financial, domestic, and most importantly, your spiritual condition.
All Pastors must be fully consecrated to the Lord and His Kingdom. If not, his flock will suffer greatly at his hand and he will be held responsible. The Work of the Lord is very important. It’s not an easy job with a good benefit package and retirement. People who view ministry in this manner are nothing more than hirelings and probably not Called by God at all.
The problem is, that the flock looks to these people for help and guidance but finds no real help. All Help comes from the Lord but a Pastor/Shepherd who is not consecrated to the Lord will not guide his people in that direction. Rather, he will send them to psychologists and therapists who will prescribe drugs and other forms of treatment which are all for naught.
Whether you are a Shepherd or a member of the flock, please consider the lifestyle and spiritual condition of yourself or your Pastor. The Scripture in Acts we are discussing today was spoken by the Apostle Paul. He knew his responsibilities in the Kingdom of God. He preached the full counsel of God everywhere he went. He consecrated himself fully to God and lived a fully consecrated life. He knew that if he didn’t, the blood of those lost souls would be upon him. Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He has purchased with His Own Blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. (Acts 20:25-31)
Jesus went to the Cross to……….turn the tide……….in this world.
Hallelujah! Doreen
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