[Paul is speaking to the Ephesian elders] “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. 29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. 32 And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping on the part of all; they embraced Paul and kissed him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because of the word he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they accompanied him to the ship.
How often have you said, “Take good care!” It’s a farewell greeting that I seldom think about in any serious manner. It’s almost like saying goodbye. But perhaps we should take it more seriously.
Years ago a family was on their way home from spring break in Florida. In a terrible accident everyone in their family van was killed except the teenaged son.
Just yesterday, after we got home from Friendswood, we learned of a 9000 gallon fuel spill on one of the routes we might have taken on our way home. Fortunately we had chosen a different way home.
Later today I’ll head back down to Friendswood, as our daughter-in-law and our four grandchildren head toward our home. Our paths will not likely cross, but we both need God’s protection in our travels. There are grave dangers out there! Speeding cars racing each other on the highway. Tailgaters. Road ragers. Or careless drivers changing lanes without looking. Take good care, is more than a throwaway thought. It needs to be said sincerely and heeded carefully.
As Paul leaves the Ephesian elders, he offers a similar encouragement, “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”
He says that because as overseers (pastors or bishops) they are a high profile target for Satan. If he can discredit them, he has won a major victory. Imagine how disappointed the people of their congregations would feel if they discovered their shepherd had fallen prey to Satan’s wiles.
Paul also urges them to take good care of themselves, so that they can serve their people well. An elder, bishop, pastor, overseer (we use these terms interchangeably) needs to be healthy – spiritually, emotionally, and physically – in order to care for his flock.
Our church leadership has Worker Care in view as a part of our ongoing awareness. We gather in circuit “winkels” (the word is German for corner). When we get in the corner with other pastors we are to encourage each other and help each other stay true to our task as pastors. We have a Care and Coaching group for pastors, church workers, and their spouses in our Texas District to help them navigate some of the challenges they face from time to time. Just the other day I met with three other pastors to talk about the way forward as one of them will soon be re-retiring and the congregation he is serving will be entering the call process. We do these things so we can take care of the flock which the Holy Spirit has made us overseers.
It is good for pastors to be reminded, as it is also for you, dear reader, to take good care of yourself so you can offer care, kindness, grace, and mercy to those in your life for whom you have care. Be it a husband, wife, child, grandchild, or friend. Take good care so you can give good care to those in your life who need your care.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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