A Well-Trodden Pathway

“Many shepherds have destroyed My vineyard,
They have trodden My portion underfoot;
They have made My pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.
   -- Jeremiah 12:10

Can a shepherd, or in our day, a pastor, go wrong and tread down the Lord's pleasant portion? Whether using ruler, shepherd, or pastor, what we have in our verse for today is a leader. A pastor can lead a congregation down a well-trodden path to desolation of God's word if he goes astray. A CEO can lead a company to financial ruin. A person who desires nothing but to be master of his own life can also tread that well-trodden path to desolation. It began when Adam and Eve each led themselves away from the Lord by their disobedience. Of course, the opposite course is possible too. A pastor who follows Jesus can lead a congregation to a pleasant vineyard in the Lord's delight. Whether CEO or servant, each of us can believe in Christ and be led to pleasant green pastures of our Lord's tender care. This does not free us from the tribulations that our Lord foretold would come, but does keep us close to the Good Shepherd who will lead us through the tough times. Just imagine trying to endure the tough times on your own! We don't have to of course, as we have tried it and both found and made the desolation our Lord does not like. The narrow gate beckons, let us tread quickly back to the Lord Jesus our Good Shepherd!

Love to you in Christ our Lord,

Bucky