Watchers of the Flock
“Always keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. (Acts 20:28)
As Paul met with the elders from Ephesus for the last time, he gave them this advice. He was on his way to Jerusalem and he knew that he would not see these leaders again. He would be led to Rome in chains. He wanted to ensure that the elders were prepared to faithfully shepherd the flock of believers in Ephesus. It would not be an easy task. Many would come that would try to lead the flock astray and devour them. They would be like wolves among the flock.
Some things never seem to change. Paul's warning and advice to the elders in Ephesus apply to us today as well. The devil never ceases trying to devour us. He uses others who try to lead us astray and devour us with their lies. They are still the wolves that we need to watch out for. And we do that by following our Good Shepherd. He has purchased us as his own by his blood. He has cleansed us of our sin by laying down his life in our place. So we do well to listen to his Word and take it to heart. That is how we guard ourselves against the wolves who come against us. We listen to our savior’s voice in his Word and trust in his promises. Amen.
The song for today is “Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us” by Concordia Publishing House