Being a pastor, I normally take note of references in the Bible that refer to shepherds. Pastor means shepherd, so it’s not surprising while reading Psalm 78:72 I stopped for a moment to reflect. Listen to what it says; “David shepherded them with integrity of heart. With skillful hands he led them.”
Sometimes it’s good to look at other translations to better understand what is being said. The Jerusalem Bible translates: “He did this with unselfish care and led them with a sensitive hand.” I like that. In the Good News Bible it talks about leading with devotion and skill. The Amplified version reads, “David was their shepherd with an upright heart and guided them by the discernment and skillfulness which controlled his hands.” All of this is involved in having integrity of heart.
When David wrote Psalm 23 he was describing His mentor, “My Shepherd!” In John 10 Jesus declared, “I am the good Shepherd.” Whoever followed Him began to experience life on a new level. In fact, Jesus came to give us “Abundant life!” (John 10:10).
Pastors are to shepherd their flocks with integrity of heart. They can only do this as God enables them. So I ask you to pray for me to serve with integrity and skill. Pray for your pastor, and God’s servants all over the world, that they would shepherd God’s people with integrity of heart and skillful hands.
