The term "pastor/shepherd" is a lowly title, not an elevated one. It is accurate in as one is to give direction from HaShem to His flock, but a shepherd was/is a lowly occupation; unlike the term: "rabbi" which continues to be used as "my-great-one" by many, and is also inaccurate if one indeed isn't an ordained rabbi - much like one not being a doctor - yet they insist on being called one. Or like insisting on being called an "apostle" when one is not an apostle. - And even Sha'ul - {who was a great apostle} - said he was not worthy of being called an apostle.
The problem however is that Yeshua specifically tells us not to allow ourselves to be called by such "titles" as "Rabbi". So it could also cause a separation from the flock when one insists they be addressed by a "title", and then instead of as Scripture tells us: those who'd be great being servant of all - they are elevated in many folks minds as a "vicar" or "mediator" between Elohim and man, and so the weaker-Brethren look to man and not Elohim as their source. While it is true that Sha'ul said to look at him as an example, however he also said:
1 Corinthians 3:5-7: Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
So then if Yeshua says not to do it - we simply shouldn't do it.. Adding this to the fact that it is an offense to some -- then Romans comes into play where it says not to offend the weaker{?} brother. The fact is that many do consider it a violation of Yeshua's specific command - and will continue to think it a violation regardless of what type of apologetic spin is placed on the practice, because {in part perhaps} Yeshua's commands regarding the practice were clear and concise.
And it goes to the attitude, again, of some who use the "title". Consider that Yeshua upbraided the young man who came to Him and addressed Him as "Good Rabbi". Now, while this was & is true of Yeshua Messiah: the man was addressing Yeshua as simply a man in his mind - yet ascribing to Him/Yeshua attributes that belong to HaShem alone {the young man not knowing what he was doing of course}, and so Messiah rightly questions his motives. Such can, and I believe often does, happen to those who use/require the use of an elevated title, such as "Rabbi" - whether anyone "deserves" that title or not.
However, we are to respect the "office" that one administers from HaShem to the flock - respect to whom respect is due. |
