The Highest Priority of Heaven
The Shepherd tends His flock through those who first feed on His Word.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More
Photo Credit: Unsplash
The heart of today’s devotional by Ray Stedman is a reminder that the church—the body of Christ—is God’s most treasured possession on earth. Pastors and elders are entrusted with a sacred calling: to shepherd His people by feeding them the whole counsel of God’s Word. This role isn’t about pleasing denominations, checking boxes, or seeking approval from congregations. It is about faithful obedience to the Spirit who has called and equipped them.
But the call begins inwardly. Leaders must first be transformed by the Word themselves before they can speak with any real authority. The power of their ministry is not in their title but in the authenticity of their walk. Just as Jesus said, “If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe Me,” so too must every teacher of the Word be able to say, “If I don’t live this truth, don’t follow me.” Their authority is not positional—it is spiritual.
This brings the focus back to the real task: feeding God’s people. Preaching that doesn’t draw from the full counsel of Scripture leaves believers malnourished, wandering in self-effort and confusion. But when the Word is taught and lived, it nourishes hearts, strengthens the church, and glorifies Christ.
Today’s devotional by Stedman closes by lifting our eyes to see the immense value God places on His church. Bought with the blood of Christ, it is His top priority. To shepherd His people is to tend what is most precious to Him. And to be part of His church is to be part of the greatest work on earth.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
You are Mine. I purchased you with My own blood—not with silver or gold, but with the priceless gift of My Son. You are part of My body, the church, which I treasure above all else on earth. I watch over you as a shepherd watches his flock, not because you earned My care, but because I have called you beloved and placed My Spirit within you.
If I have entrusted you to feed others, know that it is My Spirit who appointed you, not man. You answer to Me. So walk in the Word before you ever teach it. Let My truth first shape your own thoughts and steps. Your influence does not come from position—it flows from union with Me and submission to My Spirit.
Do not fear the opinions of men. They are not your judges. I am the One who examines hearts. If you walk in what I reveal and trust Me to speak through you, then you will shepherd with My compassion, My clarity, and My courage. But if you live disconnected from the truth you preach, you will find no authority, no peace, and no fruit. You are not merely a speaker—you are a vessel through which I nourish others.
So yield to Me. Let My Word dwell in you richly. Let your life proclaim before your lips do. My church is precious. My sheep need food, not performance. I love them with an everlasting love, and I have entrusted you with what is dearest to Me. As you walk in Me, I will shepherd through you.
Scripture References: Acts 20:28; John 10:37; Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 5:2-4; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; Romans 12:1–2; Ephesians 5:25–27; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Hebrews 13:17; Colossians 3:16; Ezekiel 34:11–16; Jeremiah 3:15
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a parent preparing a meal for their child—not a quick snack, but a nourishing meal made with love, attention, and care. That parent doesn’t just grab whatever’s convenient—they plan, taste, and serve what will strengthen and satisfy. Likewise, pastors and elders are not spiritual short-order cooks—they are stewards of spiritual nourishment, called to prepare and share the Word with care, shaped first by tasting it themselves.
Today, if you are entrusted with guiding even one person—whether as a pastor, mentor, parent, or friend—pause and yield to Christ within you. Let Him speak His Word to your own heart first. Then say to Him: “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me as I respond to those around me.” Whether you’re preparing a sermon, a small group lesson, or even a word of encouragement to a coworker, let it flow from a heart first nourished by Christ Himself.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that You’ve placed Your Spirit within me to lead and speak through me. I rest in the assurance that it is You who called me, and You who supply the Word and the wisdom. I don’t need to strive for authority—I simply need to walk in the truth You’ve written on my heart. Thank You for entrusting me with what You hold most dear: Your church. Let Your life in me be nourishment to others today. Amen.