WhatGod Gives (2)

Jeremiah 3:15 NRSV

I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Ver. 10.—I have set thee; literally, I have made thee an overseer, or vicegerent (comp. Gen. 41:34;

Do you find your own heart sensitive to the Lord’s presence, or are you among those who are “samplers” and “nibblers”? God help you if you are, for the child of the King isn’t a sampler and a nibbler—he’s a sheep who loves his Shepherd, and he stays close to his Shepherd. That’s the only safe place for a sheep—at the Shepherd’s side, because the devil doesn’t fear sheep—he fears the Shepherd. Your spiritual safety and well-being lies in being near to the Shepherd. Stay close to Jesus and all the wolves in the world cannot get a tooth in you.

Psalm 23; John 10:11–15

The Counselor, 17.

A. W. Tozer

Spence-Jones, H. D. M., ed. 1909. Jeremiah. Vol. 1. The Pulpit Commentary. London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company.Introduction

Diamond, A. R. Pete, Kathleen M. O’Connor, and Louis Stulman, eds. 1999. Troubling Jeremiah. Vol. 260. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament Supplement Series. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press.

Summary: In Jeremiah 3:15, God promises to send shepherds after His own heart who will lead His people with knowledge and understanding. This passage highlights the importance of godly leadership and the responsibility of leaders to guide their communities in righteousness.

Application: This sermon can encourage Christians and others in leadership roles to recognize the significance of their influence and the need for wisdom in their decisions. By understanding the role of shepherds appointed by God, individuals can strive to reflect Christ-like leadership in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Teaching: This passage teaches that effective leadership is rooted in spiritual guidance, knowledge, and a heart that seeks God's will. True leaders are those who are connected to God and who deeply care for the welfare of those they lead.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus is the ultimate Shepherd who fulfills this promise in Jeremiah. He leads us with His love, imparts wisdom through the Holy Spirit, and provides understanding through His teachings, demonstrating the perfect model of godly leadership.

Big Idea: Godly leadership involves a commitment to seeking God’s heart and guiding others with His wisdom, reflecting Christ's example as the Good Shepherd.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon, consider delving into the historical context of Jeremiah and the leadership challenges of Israel at the time. Use Logos to explore commentaries that discuss the significance of shepherding in ancient Israel and how it applies today. Additionally, study the contrasting styles of leadership present in the Old Testament versus New Testament teachings on leadership to enrich your sermon.

1. Promise of Divine Shepherds

Jeremiah 3:15

Unlike Western shepherds who drive the sheep, often using a sheep dog, the shepherds of the Near East, both now and in Jesus’ day, lead their flocks, their voice calling them on.

D. A. Carson

You could highlight how God’s promise of sending shepherds underscores His desire for leaders who embrace His heart. This suggests that true leaders embody God's divine wisdom and understanding, guiding others in righteousness, much like Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd. Encourage individuals to see the potential impact of godly leadership in their own circles, emphasizing the transformation brought by aligning leadership practices with Christ’s example.