Entrusting the Shepherd

Jeremiah 11:18

Then the lord told me about the plots my enemies were making against me.

Psalms 7:1-2

 I come to you for protection, O Lord my God. Save me from my persecutors—rescue me!  If you don’t, they will maul me like a lion, tearing me to pieces with no one to rescue me. 

John 7:51

“Is it legal to convict a man before he is given a hearing?” he asked.

1 Peter 5:2

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.

Entrusting the Shepherd

The Unseen Plan (Jeremiah 11:18)

Jeremiah says, “The Lord made it known to me.” Often, God’s timing feels abrupt or even disruptive to us. While these past nine months feels like an unfinished chapter, we trust that the Lord who brought Pastor Joyce and Pastor Victor to us is the same Lord now directing their steps seven hours away.

The Hebrew word used here for “made it known” is יָדַע (yada), which means more than simple knowledge—it speaks of intimate understanding, relational awareness, and divine revelation. This reminds us that God is not reacting; He is revealing. What feels sudden to us has already been deeply known and lovingly planned by Him.

Even when we do not yada the full picture, we trust the One who does.

A Shield in the Shift (Psalm 7:1–2)

Change can feel like a “lion” at the heels of a congregation—bringing anxiety about the future. This Psalm reminds us that our ultimate refuge isn’t in a specific leader, but in the God who protects the flock through every transition.

The Hebrew word for refuge here is חָסָה (chasah), meaning to take shelter, to trust, to run for protection. It paints a picture of a child running into the arms of a strong protector.

The shepherd may change, but the Great Shepherd never does. Our covering is not temporary—it is eternal.

Grace Over Judgment (John 7:51)

Just as Nicodemus stood up for fairness and truth, this is a time for the church to stand in grace. It would be easy to “judge” the situation or feel abandoned, but we are called to hear the heart of the calling and support the work God is doing in these two new churches.

The Greek word for judge is κρίνω (krinō), which means to separate, to decide, to condemn. But we are not called to divide—we are called to unify. We can continue with our connection to the church cluster and support each other during this transition.

 We lean into χάρις (charis)—grace—the unearned, freely given favor of God. Grace allows us to release with love rather than hold on with hurt.

The Shepherd and the Flock

Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 5:2 to “shepherd the flock of God.” The Greek word for shepherd is ποιμαίνω (poimainō), meaning to tend, guide, and care for. Pastor Joyce has faithfully done this among us—feeding the Word, encouraging Bible study, and drawing hearts closer to God.

And yet, every earthly shepherd ultimately serves under the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.

What Pastor Joyce has planted in nine months is not small—it is seed. And seed, when planted in good soil, continues to grow long after the sower has gone. We can be the good soil.

Reflection for the Church

How can we celebrate the “nine-month harvest” Pastor Joyce brought us, rather than mourning the time we didn’t get?

Nine months… the length of a pregnancy. Perhaps this was not a short stay—but a season of birthing something new in our church: deeper hunger for Scripture, renewed faithfulness, and a rekindled love for God’s Word.

Let us commit their family—all seven of them—to the Righteous Judge who coordinates every move for His glory. And let us also trust that God is already preparing the next shepherd for this flock.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts for the time You gave us with Pastor Joyce and Pastor Victor. Thank You for their faithfulness, their teaching, and the seeds they have planted in our lives.

Lord, though change can be difficult, we trust in Your perfect plan. You are the One who calls, the One who sends, and the One who sustains. Help us not to hold on in sorrow, but to release in faith and love.

Bless their journey to Cape Cod. Strengthen their family, guide their steps, and anoint the work they will do in these new churches. Let them be a light, just as they have been to us.

And for us, Lord, steady our hearts. Help us to remain rooted in Your Word, united in Your Spirit, and expectant for what You will do next.

We trust You, Lord—the Great Shepherd of the flock.

In Jesus' precious name we pray! Amen!

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,

forever and ever. Amen.

BELIEVE, OBEY, BE BLESSED, AMEN.

BOBBA 

Love, Penny 💛