“Paul wanted to go in, too, but the believers wouldn’t let him.”
Acts 19:30 (NLT)
The riot in Ephesus was fueled by fear. Demetrius saw that the Way was threatening more than income. People meeting the big-G God was threatening all the little-g gods they had built their lives around. The whole city was filled with confusion, and everybody rushed into the amphitheater, angry and shouting, without even knowing what they were really trying to accomplish.
Paul wanted to go in. The shepherd’s heart in him wanted to quiet the confusion, preach the good news, and tell the truth of God. But the believers would not let him. The sheep protected the shepherd. This must have been humbling for Paul, but it is also a picture of godly love. They loved him enough to keep him out of a room that could have killed him and threatened the move of God in Ephesus.
That makes me wonder if we recognize the importance of protecting our shepherds. Sometimes love looks like not letting them enter rooms they do not need to enter. Sometimes it looks like sending a warning, praying for them, cooking a meal, or simply asking how they are doing. The heart of a shepherd will pull leaders toward places they do not always need to be, and the people of God should love them enough to help protect their lives.
Confusion, anger, and shouting can gather a crowd quickly, but they cannot create anything healthy. Not every moment, room, or environment is ready for the good news. So today, ask the Lord if there is a spiritual leader, mentor, pastor, preacher, or guide that you need to protect and care for. There are lots of ways to protect your shepherd, but do not neglect the practice. Dangerous situations can harm the shepherds God is using to help care for your soul. So care for those who care for you.