Being a pastor, I normally take note of references in the Bible that refer to shepherds. Why? Because pastor means shepherd. It’s not surprising, therefore, that when I came to verse 72 of psalm 78 I stopped for a moment to reflect.
Listen to what the verse says, “David shepherded them with integrity of heart. With skillful hands he led them.”
Sometimes it is good to look at a number of different translations to get the real message as to what is being said. The Jerusalem Bible translates this verse: “He did this with unselfish care and led them with a sensitive hand.” I like that. In the Good News Bible it talks about doing it with devotion and skill. In the Amplified it says, “So David was their shepherd with an upright heart and guided them by the discernment and skillfulness which controlled his hands.” And the New Living Bible says, “He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.”
Under-girding effective ministry is the need for integrity of heart. I want to be the kind of man that serves unselfishly as I care for others with devotion. I need to be upright and true in heart.
My concerns are not to be self-centered, but altruistic, reaching out in ministry to others. My hands are to respond to my heart’s desire and lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
Pray for your pastor, your shepherd! Pray for me. Pray for God’s servants throughout the world. Pray that God’s servants would shepherd their people with integrity of heart and lead them with skillful hands for God’s glory.