Pastor

Narrator: Chris Genthree
Duration: 1min
 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 6
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• BibleTruthPublishers.com
In the Old Testament the word is raah, “to feed,” and refers to those who should have succored God’s people. They, as all others, had failed; they had destroyed and scattered the sheep (Jer. 2:88The priests said not, Where is the Lord? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit. (Jeremiah 2:8); Jer. 3:1515And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. (Jeremiah 3:15); Jer. 12:1010Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. (Jeremiah 12:10); Jer. 17:1616As for me, I have not hastened from being a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was right before thee. (Jeremiah 17:16); Jer. 22:2222The wind shall eat up all thy pastors, and thy lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shalt thou be ashamed and confounded for all thy wickedness. (Jeremiah 22:22); Jer. 23:1-21Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the Lord. 2Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:1‑2)). In the New Testament it is ποιμἠυ, which is applied to Christ Himself as the good Shepherd, &c. The pastor is one of the gifts in the church (Eph. 4:1111And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11)): he is one who is gifted to help on the saints individually, enter into their trials and difficulties, and bring the word to instruct and comfort them, or to remonstrate with and counsel them if needed.