We are almost done with the Lord’s trainers and equippers of champions. By this I mean to say Ephesians 4:11 is the Church’s internal government system. by them, they equip, train, and send according to Holy Spirit’s choosing. In these last days, the activity of the Holy Spirit will be seen even more than previous generations because time as we know it is winding down.
The Pastor is often called “the family man” (or woman) mostly because of the position this person takes. If you look at your left hand and start with the thumb being the apostle using Eph. 4:11 in order, the ring finger lands on the pastor. There are not many references in scripture for Pastor with the exception of Jeremiah 17:16. This word pastor here means: A preposition used to indicate from, out of, away from; more than: after, since; immediately; because of, since, so that; without; direction as southward, etc.). Its spelling varies according to its location and usage. Its basic meaning is from, away from, out of. Its basic meanings only can be noted here, but its exact meaning is easily discerned from its context: (1) With verbs, it expresses separation spatially or figuratively (Ex. 19:14; Deut. 22:8; Josh. 10:7). It can be used with a verb not indicating separation, e.g., to stay away..
Contextually, Jeremiah refers to this word v.16 as one sticking close to God and even broader than this v.14-18 specifically he is pleading with God to not abandon him because of his enemies. This is certainly a mystery as seemingly there is no traceably reference to this gift, right? V.16 of Jeremiah 17 gives a subtle hint here that Jeremiah will not stop following God because of his enemies. V. 14 gives us the clue we need to crack this case. Jeremiah is pleading with God to heal him.
The word to heal is rappa, one who binds up, and restores. One who guides and provides. One who leads by waters. Now we have a set of verses in Psalm 23 that fits this description. V. 1 of Psalm 23 puts the Lord as shepherd which fits the model given to us by Jeremiah. Look at the definition of shepherd.
A verb meaning to feed, to tend; to be a shepherd. It means in general to care for, to protect, to graze, to feed flocks and herds (Gen. 30:31, 36; 37:2; Ex. 3:1; 1 Sam. 17:15). In its participial form rō‘eh, it can mean shepherd (Gen. 4:2); sheepherders (Gen. 29:9). Shepherds pasture, lead the sheep, flocks to eat (Job 24:2). It is used figuratively of God as the Shepherd of Jacob and his people (Gen. 48:15; Isa. 40:11; Hos. 4:16). The king of Israel was to shepherd the people for God (2 Sam. 5:2; 7:7; Jer. 3:15). The masculine participle refers to the leaders of God’s people (Jer. 2:8; 22:22; Ezek. 34:2, 3, 8, 10). God is pictured as the one who shepherds an individual soul, a person (Ps. 49:14[15]). It is used figuratively to describe the lips of the wise as shepherding the people (Prov. 10:21). It is used figuratively of the land of Israel, the pastures of the shepherds mourn or dry up (Amos 1:2). It indicates the grazing, feeding of animals, flocks, herds, cattle (Gen. 41:2). Fools feed on folly, not wisdom (Prov. 15:14). A verb meaning to associate with, to be a companion, to be a friend. It indicates a relationship of friendship between persons (Judg. 14:20);
Now we begin to see a picture of the Lord himself caring and tending our very needs which puts Ephesians 4:11 into contrast with respect to the other gifts given. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! Matthew 23:37
Thus this scripture concludes the Lord himself given of himself as a gift within men to care for and tend the flock of God. Jesus emphatically stressed the importance of this to Peter. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17
Now we can properly define Pastor found in Eph. 4:11. noun. Shepherd, one who generally cares for flocks.
(I) Particularly (Matt. 9:36, “sheep having no shepherd”; 25:32; Mark 6:34; Luke 2:8, 15, 18, 20; Sept.: Gen. 4:2; Num. 27:17).
(II) Metaphorically of Jesus as the Great Shepherd who watches over and provides for the welfare of the Church, His flock (Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:27 quoted from Zech. 13:7; John 10:2, 11, 12, 14, 16; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25; Sept. of the Messiah: Ezek. 34:23; 37:24). The spiritual guide of a particular church (Eph. 4:11; Sept.: Jer. 2:8; 3:15; Ezek. 34:2, 5).
This is such a beautiful picture just how much the Lord cares for his people and all people! This job in particular is especially important because of the care needed and the grace needed to ensure that people are properly tended to. If Christ laid down his life for us, then we must lay our life down for one another.
Can you see how this fits in with the rest of the gang? Our final topic next time will be The Teacher, and we will see a fuller picture of the grace of Christ in respect to his dealings with the Church. As a disclaimer, this is not an exhaustive study of the subject as there are many implications and applications yet to be explored. The purpose of this study is to give a general overview of each specific gift of Christ to help the body of Christ to be advanced in knowledge and understanding and wisdom.
I hope this helps, and I pray that you’d be blessed my the reading and studying of God’s word. That’s all for now, God bless you!
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