Appreciation for Those Who Shepherd

Peter begins this chapter in v 1 exhorting the elders in the church to Shepherd the flock. Growing up, my grandmother always raised me to respect my "elders”, meaning anyone older, or in this case wiser, than me. I truly feel this was done with the Bible as the basis. As a disciple, I was able to apply that taught principle and learned God placed certain people to care of His church. I am also challenged that as scripture says I should make it a joy for them to lead as it says in Hebrews 13:17. In v5, It takes submission to be led into obedience of God's word. That submission does not come easy but is so well worth it.

I am grateful for the elders in our church and how they gently help to lead and guide us back to what God's word says. They don't serve us out of some structured duty but with the heart of Christ, loving God's people genuinely. I could imagine Matthew 9:36 comes to their minds as they mirror Jesus' compassion  in helping others.

I love this quote by Meyer “None of God’s soldiers are mercenaries or pressed men: they are all volunteers. We must have a shepherd’s heart if we would do a shepherd’s work.”  As leaders and members of God’s church we all should have this same shepherd’s heart as we share our lives with others and help to guide them back to God's truth.

It is this truth that we must cling to even during our sufferings. One of my favorite battle scriptures is v 7, "Cast all your anxiety (care) on him, because he cares for you."

Suffering may seem so permanent but it is only temporary. Interestingly enough, Peter says Hey, give God your worries because (v8) you need to be alert and sober minded because Satan is on the prowl, circling, crouching even, ready to pounce on you when you least expect it. During these sufferings, we must brace ourselves and take a united stand against Satan. Arm ourselves (Ephesians 6), Be trained by God (Psalm 18:34), girded for battle (Psalm 18:39), sound  the alarms for battle (Numbers 10:9), prepare and rally the troops ( Joel 3:9), and don't be afraid (Deuteronomy 20:1). Peter reminds us as he closes the first book of Peter that we will be restored, strengthened and made whole by God's mighty power! How encouraging it is to know that throughout the Bible we see God saying "I am with you." Knowing this, we can serve confidently, shepherd compassionately, suffer joyously, and battle boldly.  AMEN.