214. Shepherds will Feed
Jeremiah 23:4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord.
God promises us shepherds, who will feed us so that we do not fear any longer, not be dismayed, and not be lacking. The Good Shepherd has been provided for us: He feeds us; in Him we have no fears; we are not disappointed, and we shall not lack. The Lord is my Shepherd; I will lack nothing. With Jesus, I need nothing more. He feeds me with the Word and Spirit, and meets all my real needs.
Yes, the Lord has given us the Good Shepherd, but in addition He provides us human beings who are shepherds “with skin on,” to feed us and meet every spiritual need. Another name for shepherd is “pastor.’ God has given pastors for all members of the flock of God. We have also been given various kinds of spiritual leaders, elders, advisors, mentors, counselors, confessors, and brothers and sisters in Christ. The promise implies that the Lord will not leave us without someone in our life who will feed, lead and guide. He will not leave us orphans. And if you ask, the Lord will provide the person to come into your life who will be the shepherd you need.
This promise also encourages us to seek out the kind of spiritual shepherd we need. The promise means that He will not let us down. He sets us the shepherds over us.