Connect Jeremiah 13:20 with 1 Peter 5:2 on shepherding God's people. Shepherding in Jeremiah 13:20 “Lift up your eyes and see those coming from the north. Where is the flock that was given you, your beautiful sheep?” • God speaks through Jeremiah to leaders in Judah, picturing them as shepherds who have misplaced the “beautiful sheep” entrusted to them. • The question “Where is the flock…?” exposes neglect: the sheep should be safely gathered, yet invaders approach and the fold is empty. • The verse confronts every spiritual leader with personal accountability. The flock isn’t theirs; it was “given” by God. Peter’s Pastoral Charge in 1 Peter 5:2 “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but willingly as God would have you; not for dishonest gain, but eagerly.” • Peter, an eyewitness of the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4), urges elders to guard, guide, and feed God’s people. • Motivation matters: serve willingly, eagerly, and free from greed. • The flock again belongs to God; leaders are under-shepherds, not owners. Shared Truths Between the Two Passages • Stewardship: both texts remind leaders the flock is God’s property (Jeremiah 13:20; 1 Peter 5:2). • Accountability: God questions negligent shepherds (Jeremiah 13:20), and rewards faithful ones (1 Peter 5:4). • Vigilance: enemies threatened Judah from the north; spiritual dangers still threaten the church (Acts 20:28–30). • Heart Posture: unwilling or self-serving shepherds lose the flock; willing, eager servants preserve it. What Faithful Shepherding Looks Like • Feed—teach the whole counsel of God (John 21:15–17; 2 Timothy 4:2). • Guide—lead by example, not domination (1 Peter 5:3). • Protect—stand between the flock and danger (John 10:11–13; Ephesians 4:14). • Know—be among the sheep, learning names, needs, and burdens (Proverbs 27:23). Warnings Against Neglect • Neglect invites judgment (Jeremiah 23:1; Ezekiel 34:2–10). • Self-interest scatters sheep (Zechariah 11:17; John 10:12–13). • Silence in crisis equals guilt (Isaiah 56:10–11). Promises to Faithful Shepherds • The “crown of glory that will not fade away” (1 Peter 5:4). • Strength from “the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20–21). • Joy in seeing believers mature (3 John 4; 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20). Take-Home Reflections • Every believer with influence—parents, teachers, elders—stewards a portion of God’s flock. • God’s question, “Where is the flock…?” still echoes; Christ’s commission, “Shepherd My sheep,” still stands. • Willing, eager, Word-centered care fulfills both Jeremiah’s warning and Peter’s charge, keeping God’s beautiful sheep safe until the Chief Shepherd appears. |
    |