His smile, the instrument of vice;
The evil lurks beneath the nice.
And truth, a shade to hide the light
Dare never interfere with right.

See wounded souls, they shrink in fear;
He holds the sword of justice here.
And woe to those poor sheep he leads,
In pastures green, the shepherd feeds…

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About Jason Harris

Dr Jason Harris is a writer, pastor, and academic. He has authored multiple books, articles, and papers including his book Theological Meditations on the Gospel. Jason has a PhD from James Cook University as well as degrees in theology, music, accounting, and research. Jason has lived in Cairns, Australia since 2007 and serves as pastor at CrossPoint Church. You can contact Jason at jason@jasonharris.com.au.

7 Comments

  1. Kez 7 November, 2014 at 6:43 am - Reply

    Wow. This is really powerful. Thank you for sharing it.

  2. justthinking 8 November, 2014 at 10:36 pm - Reply

    Confused. What is this supposed to be a reference to?

  3. Jason Harris 10 November, 2014 at 1:49 pm - Reply

    justthinking,

    The word pastor means a herdsman, shepherd. I have been richly blessed by the ministry and friendship of many pastors over the years. But God, in his inscrutable wisdom, has also repeatedly given me front-row seats to see the destruction and damage caused when a pastor is given power and authority that is biblically reserved for Christ alone. I have seen unspeakable evils done in the name of God and have spoken to the battered sheep in the hundreds. Literally.

    I suppose for those who have had mostly good experiences with shepherds, this poem might seem a bit melodramatic. And I can only say I’m thankful if that’s ever the case. But for many, these words will ring true. May every shepherd be warned of the danger of being unaccountable. May the battered sheep who run find help and hope in our lives and homes. And may those shepherds who are given up to their lust for power and control be rescued from themselves and from the wrath of God against evil.

  4. Joy Harris 11 November, 2014 at 10:34 pm - Reply

    AMEN!

  5. PJ 12 November, 2014 at 6:59 am - Reply

    How do you square this image off with all that Scripture says about the office of elder?

    This strikes me as classic straw man propaganda.

    (And not particularly classy.)

    • Joy Harris 12 November, 2014 at 10:31 am

      This depicts the ABUSE of all that Scripture says about the office of elder! To those who have been under that kind of pastor, there is nothing but harsh reality, unfortunately.

    • Jason Harris 12 November, 2014 at 11:33 am

      Hey PJ,

      It doesn’t square. Those who fit this description are not God’s undershepherds, but hireling shepherds. At best.

      As far as being a straw man, that would be true if someone were to interpret this as my view of ALL pastors. I trust my comment above clarifies that this is not the case at all.

      As far as being propaganda, that suggests an underhanded message. Again, I trust the above comment clarifies my message: Pastors, be accountable. Sheep, run for safety when necessary. Everyone, help those who run for safety. Hirelings, look to your souls for you stand under the wrath of a God who hates oppression and takes what is done in his name very seriously.

      As far as class, I can’t argue with you there. It’s got about as much class as a World War I trench full of mud, sweat, and gore. It’s an ugly reality. The important thing, though, is that it IS reality.

      Grace to you.

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