|
The
Hebrew word Ro-eh h[wr
is equivalent to the English word shepherd or pastor and is normally used
in Israeli congregations together with the word Edah-
hd[
or
Kehilah-
hlyhq
(Ro-eh
Ha-Edah hd[
h[wr
or Ro-eh Kehilah
hlyhq
h[wr)
literally meaning shepherd of the congregation. The word is used
extensively in the Scriptures especially for leaders who have
responsibility for other people (like the monarch). The shepherd has the
tasks of finding grass and water to his flock (Psalm 23:2), protect his
flock from the weather and wild creatures (Amos
3:12
)
and retrieve any strayed animals (Ezekiel 34:8: Matthew 18:12)
In
the Tanach God is the shepherd of
Israel
(Genesis 49:24, Psalm 23:1; 80:1). Yeshua identifies Himself with this
role as the “Good Shepherd” (John 10) and the believers as His sheep
(John
21:16
).
|
|
The
word shepherd is synonymous with leadership (Numbers 27:12, Psalm 28:9,
Matthew
9:36
).
This originates from the Biblical way of shepherding - the shepherd always
goes before the sheep leading them to the pastures, he is always in the
front foreseeing the danger and protecting the sheep. This is the same
type of leadership which we see in Yeshua as the leader of all those who
belong to Him, leading and protecting. We should look to The
Shepherd and follow Him.
The way of the shepherd is also the way of God and any deviation
from it, will also mean deviation from the path of God into sin (Isaiah
53:6).
Being “Ro-eh Ha Edah“ is a role of
high responsibility before God which requires a sacrificial life, the
shepherd should be willing to perform the ultimate sacrifice, as Yeshua
did, and give his life for his sheep (John 10:11).
Gil
Alon (BMJA member, Egham)
|
