Dreaded responsibility

Leadership under the reins of God is a serious matter.

The Bible says in the 23rd chapter of Jeremiah, "What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people—the shepherds of my sheep—for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord.
2 Therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to these shepherds: “Instead of caring for my flock and leading them to safety, you have deserted them and driven them to destruction. Now I will pour out judgment on you for the evil you have done to them. 3 But I will gather together the remnant of my flock from the countries where I have driven them. I will bring them back to their own sheepfold, and they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 Then I will appoint responsible shepherds who will care for them, and they will never be afraid again. Not a single one will be lost or missing. I, the Lord have spoken"

Sometimes that thought brings me to my knees. How on earth did this happen? How did I, me, Billy, become this, this shepherd? Was like all the possible candidates busy the day God called me?

My reflection is built upon a couple of things that happened this weekend. One, my son, Jason, ran into an old, old friend and former co-worker, Rick Cleveland, the long-time sports columnist for The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., as well as another former friend whom Jason couldn't recall the name of. When they asked what I was doing now, Jason told them I was a preacher. Their reaction, he said, was priceless. I understand. It was a different time, a different me.

Then Sunday morning at the Louisiana Sportwriter's Convention, I won a major writing award that my ex-boss had entered me in.

All that came back to me yesterday. What I once was, is not what or even who I now am.

God goes on to say to Jeremiah, 9 My heart is broken because of the false prophets,
and my bones tremble.
I stagger like a drunkard,
like someone overcome by wine,
because of the holy words
the Lord has spoken against them.
10 For the land is full of adultery,
and it lies under a curse.
The land itself is in mourning—
its wilderness pastures are dried up.
For they all do evil
and abuse what power they have."

I understand that the tremendous responsibility all pastors have is back-breaking at times. I understand that this world isn't getting better. I understand that I must let the Lord give me vision. And only by looking ahead instead of back toward what I was can I possibly be of service.

O, Lord, give me strength for thy people.