Jeremiah 23: 1-6 (NRSV)
Read Jeremiah 23: 1-6 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 23Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says the Lord. Verse 2Therefore thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: It is you who have scattered my flock, and have driven them away, and you have not attended to them. So I will attend to you for your evil doings, says the Lord. Verse 3Then I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the lands where I have driven them, and I will bring them back to their fold, and they shall be fruitful and multiply. Verse 4I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. Verse 5The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. Verse 6In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. And this is the name by which he will be called: "The Lord is our righteousness."
Devotion
“…concerning the shepherds who shepherd my people: it is you who have scattered my flock…you have not attended to them.” Jeremiah 23:2
Are you someone who waits expectantly, watching as another makes a mess of things? Then just in time, you come to the rescue; making it all better – according to your standard? This is a dilemma of parenting (and leadership), knowing when to step in and when to let go. Those guilty of perpetuating co-dependent behaviors often cannot see the forest for the trees. It is tempting to think we are the best leader/parent/shepherd for those entrusted to our care.
The Lord advises us to watch out - be careful with those over whom we have influence lest we fall into a pattern of irresponsible leadership, scattering more sheep than tending. Our approach changes when remembering we are accountable to our Great Shepherd, our King, who indeed deals wisely with both those who are led and those who lead.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, whether we are parenting or pastoring, teaching or supervising, help us to be less impressed with our ability to lead and more aware of your gentle guiding hand. Help us to be accountable for those entrusted to our care, however we lead. In Jesus' name. Amen