Tending the Flock of God – 1 Peter 5
Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. 3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders.[c] And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for
“God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8 Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings and Benediction
12 Through Silvanus, whom I consider a faithful brother, I have written this short letter to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13 Your sister church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings; and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
What does the passage say?
V. 1-5 Peter addresses himself as an Elder, calling out all the Elders of the church. He asks them to be shepherds of the flock Christ entrusted them. Do you remember the last encounter Peter had with Christ? What did Christ ask him?
“17 He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. John 21: 17 NRSV
Peter calls all Christians to live a lifestyle of caring for others both in the faith community and in the world.
V. 6-11 Peter then tells the believers to ‘humble us under the mighty hand of God’ (v. 6 NRSV). This means that we ought to put full trust in God, instead of our ability. Putting our faith in God means that we trust in Him to a point all our anxieties are cast away (v. 7). Evil will continue to attack us to suffer. Peter tells the believers to remain alert and be prepared as they maintain their discipline.
“So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good” v. 10-11 The Message.
What does this mean to me/us
Church is for people who understand their suffering in the world. Church is where people overcame the suffering, in Christ, continue to care for others who are going through suffering. The faith community is for those to be healed and restored to become a healer in this world.
Peter asks the Elders in the church, one who expereiend this grace, ‘to tend the flock of God’ (v.2).
How am I caring for others?
Pastor comes from the word of caring as a shepard. It is the call being coninuted from John ch. 21, when Jesus calls Peter to ‘feed his sheep.’ How am I truley tending and caring for the people in my care.
That is one reason, I want to commit myself back to prayer, stepping back from the busyness, and starting back the basic of caring.
However, this call is extending to all beleivers who knows this Grace. As God called Peter to care for his people, Peter is extending this call to all beleivers.
Who is in your care?
How are you caring for them?
May your days be filled with opportunities to care and love.
What does this MEAN to you?
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