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Jeremiah 3:15 — “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

Pastors are not an invention of men or a convenience of church life. They are God’s provision for His people. In Jeremiah’s day, Israel had suffered under false shepherds who exploited the flock, leaving them spiritually starved. In response, God promised to raise up pastors after His own heart. This promise reveals that faithful shepherds are not merely leaders but gifts from God.

The phrase “according to mine heart” is significant. A pastor who pleases God is not driven by ambition, pride, or personal gain but by the heartbeat of God Himself. He cares for people because God cares for them. He seeks their growth, their safety, and their closeness to God. His ministry reflects the character of the One who called him.

The primary task God assigns to pastors in this verse is feeding. They feed the flock with knowledge and understanding—knowledge of God’s Word and understanding of how to live it out. A pastor is not first an entertainer, organizer, or motivator; he is a feeder. He brings the sheep to the rich pastures of Scripture and ensures they are nourished with truth.

This provision is vital because the flock cannot feed itself adequately. Left alone, sheep will wander to barren places or eat what harms them. God, in His wisdom, appoints shepherds to guard the food source, protect the sheep, and lead them to what is good. A faithful pastor’s teaching is life-giving because it directs the flock to Christ, the Bread of Life.

The church must recognize that pastors are not perfect but divinely appointed. Too often, congregations view their pastor as an employee rather than a shepherd given by God. To despise or resist a faithful pastor is to resist God’s gift. To receive him with gratitude is to honor God’s wisdom.

When God provides a pastor according to His heart, the result is growth. The flock grows in knowledge of the Lord, understanding of His ways, and maturity in their walk. Pastors exist not for their own glory but for the flourishing of God’s people.

Today, let us thank God for the provision of pastors. Let us pray for them to remain aligned with His heart. And let us receive their ministry with humility, knowing that through them, God is caring for us.