Text: John 10:13 KJV
Further Reading: John 10:11-13
The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.
John 10:13 KJV
MESSAGE
Today’s message is a warning to us believers to be careful of men who call themselves shepherds but are mere hirelings. Are you aware that many are out there in ministry just because of what they would eat? Such are those who always want to get from the sheep and not feed them. They will milk money off the sheep all in the name of strange offerings, beware!
In John 21:15-18, the Lord told Peter to feed His lambs and sheep. The desire of Christ the good shepherd is that shepherd over His flock to feed them. It is unfortunate however that we now have more hirelings than shepherds. From such men, you flee and be careful.
Jesus gave us the character of these hirelings and anywhere you see them you can recognise them. One way to know hirelings is their carelessness in handling souls. They treat the matter of salvation so lightly. They would heal the hurt of the daughters of zion lightly and proclaim peace when God is still angry with sinners. They love to preach soothing messages that will send men right from the front door of the church into hell.
They are more concerned about their wages, they will not give their lives for the sheep. They destroy and scatter the sheep in the fold (Jeremiah 23:1). They care more about what they would receive from the sheep and gives little back. They defile the little ones and are not careful to oppress the weak. These are hirelings.
Beloved know for sure that we are already in perilous times, mind where you go for prayers. There are many swindlers out there who are only looking for your money. Any man who will not sacrifice for you when you have nothing is not a shepherd.
Are you a true pastor yet discouraged by the labour you bestow upon the sheep, God is bringing a word of comfort to you today:And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 1 Peter 5:4 KJV
There is a reward for your faithfulness, so do not give. God will reward you richly.
REFLECTION
As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
Ezekiel 34:8 KJV
Hirelings are not shepherds, they look and dress like one, they may even have the language of the shepherd but will flee when trouble comes.
PRAYER
Father, please save us from the hirelings destroying the lives of your sheep and give us good shepherds instead.
