Pastors: Beware of Isolation

584 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Sa 18:1-4, “And David numbered the people who were with him, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. 2 Then David sent out one third of the people under the hand of Joab, one third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab's brother, and one third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, "I also will surely go out with you myself." 3 But the people answered, "You shall not go out! For if we flee away, they will not care about us; nor if half of us die, will they care about us. But you are worth ten thousand of us now. For you are now more help to us in the city." 4 Then the king said to them, "Whatever seems best to you I will do." So the king stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands. (2 Sam 18:1-4) David, ever and always the man of war, immediately takes inventory of his troops and then organizes them under captains. He sets up three divisions as he prepares to do battle with the rebels. His original thought was to go out with his troops into the battle, but the people urge him to stay behind because they know that he has a big old target on his back, and if he falls, the nation falls. If you recall, Ahithophel's advice to Absalom was to chase David down and kill him only. “and I will strike only the king,” (2Sa 17:2b) "I will come upon him while he is weary and weak, and make him afraid. And all the people who are with him will flee, and I will strike only the king. On the night in which Jesus was betrayed, He quoted from the prophet Zechariah, as He reminded His disciples that if the shepherd is stricken the flock will scatter. (Mk 14:27) The shepherd or pastor is most vulnerable when he is alone and isolated, therefore it is vital that pastors guard against this temptation to be the Lone Ranger. Pastor you need fellowship! You need accountability. You need to be able to openly share with trusted brothers in the Lord. Don't hide in your office, behind your computer, but seek out men to meet with regularly, and pray for one another, and always remember that pride goes before the fall. (Prov 16:18) Father, guard Your shepherds from isolation.