Podcast Introduction Today our reading is 1 Thessalonians 1-3. Afterwards, I’ll have some thoughts to share with you, and I’m calling today’s episode “A Pastor’s Heart.”  Design: Steve Webb | Photo: FOYN on Unsplash Comments on 1 Thessalonians 1-3 As we read these chapters, I hope you saw that Paul had the heart of a pastor. I guess before I continue, I should quickly define what a pastor is, for those who don’t know. Sure, you probably know that a pastor is one who leads a church, but where does that name come from…what does it mean? And why do we use the word? “Pastor” literally means “shepherd”. Of course, a shepherd cares for a flock of sheep. We’ll talk more about that in a minute, but why do we use this specific analogy for someone who leads a church? Because in John 21:15-17, Jesus said to Peter three times, “Feed my sheep.” Actually, Jesus said “feed” twice, and “tend” (as a shepherd tends his sheep) my sheep. This title of “pastor” was literally Jesus’ idea.  So how does a shepherd tend his sheep? It’s more than just feeding them. He also makes sure they have water, and a shepherd watches over them to be sure they are safe from predators.. Sheep really have few defense mechanisms. They need the shepherd’s protection. Back to Paul. As we’ve been reading through his letters, it’s clear that he dearly loves the people who are part of the church. He prays for them, he worries about them, he looks for ways that he can be a blessing to them, and he admonishes them to live lives that will be pleasing to the Lord. I hope that sounds familiar to you. I hope this could be a description of your pastor. I’ve been blessed to have had some great pastors in my life. While each one has been very different in their personalities, they each loved God and the people God put in their care. And since I have usually been very involved in every church I have attended, and most of them have been on the small side, I’ve gotten to know most of my pastors on a personal basis. They have been my friend as well as my pastor. One of my pastors was one of my brothers-in-law, too. We had a very close relationship.  Why am I telling you this? I learned from my close friendships with pastors that a pastor’s job is often lonely and difficult and thankless. Most pastors don’t have someone they can go to to unload their heart. They seldom have a peer to share their difficulties with. Your pastor prays for you and seeks God’s will for you. Verse 10 of chapter 3 could probably have been written by your pastor: “Day and night we ask him with all our heart to let us see you personally and supply what is needed in