Tag: willing shepherds
Grace to the humble!
Scripture reading for November 13th: 1st Peter 5
The heart is the main focus of our Lord regarding men and women. (Mark 7:20-23) Man focuses on the exterior and appearances, and what others might think. Peter finished his letter to the suffering church and her leadership by addressing their need for humility and God’s grace!
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.” (1st Peter 5:1-3) Elders must remain humble and serve willingly. Just telling people what they should do was not enough, they must humbly live as examples. The promise was a “crown of glory” from Jesus Christ, the Chief Shepherd! (vs 4)
“Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” (1st Peter 5:5-6) Peter emphasized humility to young men and all of those in the church. The principle is simple: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” We can either humble ourselves or have God opposing us! That should be an easy choice for anyone with spiritual sense! His grace will truly lift us up–all the way to His eternal kingdom! God is looking for a heart of humility and willing submission to shower His grace upon.
Awaiting the Chief Shepherd!
Scripture reading for November 26th: 1st Peter 4:12-5:14
Peter addressed the elders in the body of Christ. Elders were the senior leaders of the church and usually held offices of pastor, bishop or overseer. They were primarily there to serve and lead by example. Jesus taught His disciples that the path to greatness in His kingdom was to become a servant of all! (Mark 10:42-45)
“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under our care, serving as overseers–not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1st Peter 5:1-4)
Peter was an eye-witness of Jesus Christ’s life, suffering, and death. Peter appealed to those in leadership as equal brothers and ones who would share in the reward of faithful service in Christ’s Body, the Church. He was a fisherman but learned the shepherd metaphor from the Lord Himself. Jesus had taught His disciples that He was the Good Shepherd that laid His life down for the Sheep. (John 10:11, 14) On another occasion, Jesus had likened the crowd as ‘sheep without a shepherd.’ (Mark 6:34) Finally, Jesus had challenged Peter three times to feed or care for ‘My sheep’ in response to Peter’s declarations of love for Him. (John 21:15-17)
As Jesus willingly served the flock of God’s people, so those in the positions of elders must be willing serve God’s people in the church. Elders aren’t to be motivated by money, but by love of the Savior and His sheep! The world’s leaders lord it over those they lead, but in the church a humble servant’s heart should mark the men and women of God. This example of servant-leadership will do much to shape the hearts of the flock to be more like their Chief Shepherd!
Jesus is coming back! His reward is with Him for those who faithfully serve His flock! A crown of glory awaits those who are willing servants and examples of Christ’s love!