Please, a question for bible teachers: Pruning vs shepherding. Any reference I see in the bible talking about pruning or cutting off branches is always in reference to God and his judgment. It isnt given in reference to a pastor being the one doing the pruning, or cutting off branches. So why would a pastor stand in front of his congregation and proclaim its time for some pruning? References about shepherds give a distinctive impression that it is a pastor like quality required by God as told by Jesus, He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:16 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. John 15:2 Pruning improperly can ruin your tree, just sayn! And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. Isaiah 5:5-6
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 01:50:16 +0000