He was to Carry God's People on His Heart
And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually. Exodus 28:30.
There is a beautiful picture in the robe of the Old Testament man of God. He would have the names of the tribes of Israel engraved on stones and wear them on his chest. He would wear those names on his heart before the Lord.
God's people were to be on his heart.
He was to pray for them, be concerned for them, and care for them.
I think it is a beautiful picture of what a Biblical pastor does. He carries his people on his heart. He hurts when they hurt. He prays for them. In many ways, he answers for them. He is responsible for them before the Lord.
Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
He gives account for the people God has placed under his leadership. He watches for their souls.
