My Dear Shepherds,

Coming to a new church is often like an arranged marriage. We arrive knowing little more than a bit of history, some assessments, and a few names. But gradually a miracle happens. To quote the apostle Paul, “Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well” (1 Thess. 2:7–8).

God endows us with such love for his people because he treasures them so.

You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession . . .. (1 Pet. 2:9)

Peter drew that fourth phrase from Yahweh’s declaration to Israel at Mt. Sinai:

Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. (Ex. 19:5)

Moses reiterated that description three times in Deuteronomy. It appears again in Malachi 3:17, where the KJV renders the phrase, “my jewels.” (The KJV for Peter’s phrase is “a peculiar people,” which meant “belonging exclusively to one person.”)

Right now, your people are diamonds in the rough, a scruffy bride, but they are precious beyond price to the Lord. Those saints whose names and stories you know, who gather with you for worship services, prayer, and potlucks week in and week out, have been treasured by God since before time began! Because he loved them, he gave his one and only Son to redeem them. And he’s appointed you as their pastor.

Scripture reaches into our most heartfelt relationships to help us understand. Jesus gladly calls us friends, brothers and sisters, and even his bride. God our Father runs headlong to meet impoverished prodigals. Moved with compassion, he throws his arms around us, kisses us, and summons all the hosts of heaven to rejoice when the dead live and the lost are found!

Psalm 135 says,

Praise the LORD . . . you who minister in the house of the LORD . . . for the LORD has chosen . . . Israel to be his treasured possession. (Ps. 135:1–4)

First on the list of reasons we ministers must praise God are the people we rub shoulders with every day. They’re precious to us because they’re precious to God. Their incalculable value is what lifts shepherding to such exalted status.

Remember to praise the LORD for them. Of course they can be exasperating sometimes. Shepherding even the best of flocks drains us. But when you consider the price the Lord Jesus paid for them, praise him. When you see their faith and glimpse the masterpiece he is making of them, praise him. And when you remember what a glorious destiny awaits us all, praise him.

Safeguard them. They are fragile, vulnerable to sin, doubt, and discouragement. Care for the lost, seek the young, heal the injured, feed the healthy (Zech. 11:16). Guard against predators and steer them out of the back alleys of worldly folly and false teaching. And keep those sheep from biting each other.

Teach and demonstrate how beloved they are. Every Bible text is birthed out of God’s covenant love for his treasured possession, so preach it with heart. With the Spirit’s help, embody the love, grace, wisdom, and patience of the God Shepherd. May your people always know you love them.

Soon you will join these “people that are his very own” before the throne of God above. Then you will see them as the bride whose white garment you’ve helped keep clean, God’s precious treasure whom you protected, polished, and prized.

Be ye glad!

Lee Eclov recently retired after 40 years of local pastoral ministry and now focuses on ministry among pastors. He writes a weekly devotional for preachers on Preaching Today.