Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to my heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. I. GOD IS ENGAGED BY COVENANT TO PROVIDE A PERPETUAL PUBLIC MINISTRY FOR HIS CHURCH. 1. A public stated ministry in the Christian Church is a Divine institution. 2. It is the ordinance of God that a public ministry should be continued in His Church unto the end of the world. 3. God hath covenanted with His Church to supply her congregations with a public ministry — "And I will give you pastors."(1) Promises, made upon the footing of a permanent relation between God and His Church, which have respect to a benefit of a permanent nature, are to be understood as securing to the Church that benefit indefinitely throughout every period of time. (2) Many promises delivered by the prophets were designed to refer immediately to the New Testament Church; and were so applied by the apostles of our Lord. Some of these refer to the Christian ministry (Isaiah Iii. 6, 7, 10; Romans 10:14, 15). (3) The Redeemer, in whom the promises are made, and in whom they are accomplished, has solemnly engaged never to leave His Church entirely destitute of a public ministry. He walks amidst the golden candlesticks. He holds the stars in His right hand. He gives power to His witnesses. II. GOD HATH SET DISTINGUISHING MARKS UPON THE MINISTRY, OF WHICH HE APPROVES — "Pastors according to Mine heart." 1. The pastor according to God's heart has received a regular call to the ministry. (1) The call of God to ecclesiastical office is inward, when there is a Divine influence experienced upon the mind, inclining and commanding the person to devote himself to the service of the Church. (2) It is outward, when accompanied with external evidence for the satisfaction of the Church. The inward call may satisfy a man's own mind; but others must, in order to receive Him, have some external evidence. (a) Ordination constitutes the call of God to the ministry of reconciliation in the Gospel Church (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; Romans 10:15). (b) Ordination to the holy ministry is to be performed by imposition of hands (1 Timothy 5:22; 1 Timothy 4:14; Hebrews 6:2; Acts 13:2, 3). 2. The pastor according to God's heart has a life corresponding to the functions of his holy office. (1) A ministry evidently impious will meet with few advocates. This evil can be tolerated only in a Church which has far departed from truth and holiness. (2) The pious minister is constrained by the love of a crucified Saviour to diligence in his sacred office. He perceives the danger of sinners; and, anxious for their salvation, he warns them of it frequently and fervently. From house to house he visits, examines, exhorts. In afflictions, he soothes; in temptation, admonishes; in sickness, comforts; and in death, resigns their departing spirits into the hands of that God who created both him and them. (3) The pastor, who is near the heart of God, is faithful to God and His Church. He deals plainly with sinners, uninfluenced by their frowns or their smiles. III. THE SUM OF PASTORAL DUTY IS THE EDIFICATION OF THE CHURCH. 1. The pastor according to God's heart preaches to his congregation the Gospel of Christ. This is the food which he diligently provides for immortal souls. 2. The pastor of whom God approves is in duty bound, from time to time, to examine the religious state of his congregation. 3. It is the duty of the Christian pastor to administer the sacraments of the New Testament to the members of his Church. 4. It is the duty of a Christian minister to exercise authority over his flock. This is necessary to their edification, and is implied in feeding with knowledge. The power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven is in the hands of every Christian minister. (A. M'Leod, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. |
    |