Weary Shepherds

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby; keeping watch over their flocks by night.” (Luke 2:8 NIV)

This scripture brings to mind the barren hillsides of Israel. Rob and I were shocked to see tattered shepherds tending to flocks in 2019, very much the way they did two millennia ago. Shepherds stay with their sheep: even when it’s inconvenient and uncomfortable. The sheep sleep, but the shepherds stay on guard.

We remember that Jesus asked Peter to feed His sheep and we are reminded that shepherding is the pastor’s primary purpose. I wonder, how weary are the shepherds in this pandemic? It’s been a dark night for the Church: attendance is down, apathy has crept in. It turns out that entertaining is a thousand times easier than disciple-making. So many believers have numbed the pain and fear of 2020 with the anesthetic of amusement. Media has filled the void and lulled much of the Church to sleep. We can avoid the reality of today by simply turning on our screens.

Barna released a report that bible engagement has dropped significantly during the pandemic; from 14% to 9%. It appears that people got lazy and lost interest in the one habit that stokes the most hope. My pastor heart is heavy as I consider the future of a church even less connected to the reality of scripture.

In these perilous times, pastors are shepherding in the dark. It’s still our job to stay with our sheep: to keep watch through the most dangerous hours of the night. The Christmas shepherds remind us: good shepherds stay awake, stay alert, and protect the flock from the enemy. Good shepherds respond to changes in their environment and they move their sheep towards the most adequate ground for their sheep’s continued growth.

Pastor, I know you are weary of this crisis. You’ve worked and prayed hard, with little results. Don’t give up. Don’t fall asleep, but stay alert. Recognize God’s ability to change everything amidst other ordinary, dark night. He loves you and He loves your sheep. He’s moving heaven and earth to reach them, to alter their story. Please stay faithful, even if the flock thins. The sheep need their shepherd. The Kingdom is counting on you.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:2-4 NIV)

One dark night, we will be about our work; silently overseeing our flock when the sky will split and the Savior will appear once more. We are waiting on the return of our King.

Believer, you have a task, too. Pray for your pastor as they serve in the dark. Show up. Be faithful. Lend a hand anywhere you can. And for pity’s sake, read your Bible. 😉

We will get through this night, my friends. The King is coming and one day soon He will collect His flock form the field. This is not the time to sleep, but the time to stay awake and pray.

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 NIV)

Lord, please help the shepherds and the sheep. The pandemic drags on and it’s dark and we are tired. Revive us as we seek You. Awaken our hearts as we study Your Word. Rekindle our commitment to keep watch and pray through. Protect Your flock as we wait through this night. Split the sky and gather us up soon. Amen.