September 9, 2026 Devo

I was recently talking with someone who had been a part of a church where the pastor was pretty harsh and authoritarian. He felt he answered to God alone and no one had the right to question him. It was a very painful experience that left this person hurt and quite disillusioned with churches and church leadership. My guess is that many of you have either experienced painful leadership like that or know someone who has. It’s a fairly common story.
We shepherds don’t always act the way we should. Sometimes it’s because we haven’t dealt with our own dysfunction. Sometimes it’s because we’ve become more concerned about building our kingdom rather than God’s Kingdom. Sometimes it comes from the stresses and frustration of trying to lead a church, which is more like herding cats than shepherding sheep! Sometimes, if we’re honest, our unshepherd-like behavior comes as a reaction to the hurts we have received from churches. “Hurting people hurt people.” And sometimes it’s just because we’re human and having a bad day.
Sadly, people often forget pastors are just people. God has simply given us a different role in the Body of Christ. When we, as God’s shepherds, fail to live up to what we’re supposed to be, it can tarnish people’s perception of all pastors or all churches. It can even leave a bad taste in their mouth about God.
God speaks to this point in our passage today. Part of the problem for His People has been that those He appointed as shepherds have failed miserably at their jobs. God holds them accountable for that. But He also reminds the people that HE is the Shepherd they need to ultimately look to. He is Perfect. He is the one who will love them like no other, lead them with unending patience and kindness, and who will be there for them no matter what. Pastors and church leaders are just vessels. Our Lord is the Real Deal.
Hear my heart today. Go easy on your pastor. Most of us really do love you and are trying our best to lead you as we should. We know that we don’t always get it right. For those of you who have been hurt, I’m so sorry. I pray that you find healing, wholeness, and restoration in your life. I would also encourage you to find a church and a pastor where you feel loved. But please remember that there is only One Perfect Shepherd. So when you get disillusioned here on earth, turn your gaze toward heaven. Because that’s the Shepherd we’re all ultimately looking for. That’s God’s Word for you today.