Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: Psalms 91 -93; 1 Peter 5
Goes Both ways – 1 Peter 5:1-11
Therefore, I have a request for the elders among you. (I ask this as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings, and as one who shares in the glory that is about to be revealed.) I urge the elders: 2 Like shepherds, tend the flock of God among you. Watch over it. Don’t shepherd because you must, but do it voluntarily for God. Don’t shepherd greedily, but do it eagerly. 3 Don’t shepherd by ruling over those entrusted to your care, but become examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will receive an unfading crown of glory.
5 In the same way, I urge you who are younger: accept the authority of the elders. And everyone, clothe yourselves with humility toward each other. God stands against the proud, but he gives favor to the humble.
6 Therefore, humble yourselves under God’s power so that he may raise you up in the last day. 7 Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. 8 Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Do so in the knowledge that your fellow believers are enduring the same suffering throughout the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be power forever and always. Amen.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
When calling a pastor, in the United Methodist Church, we say that they are called as an ‘Elder.’ However, I believe that being an ‘Elder’ or leader in a church is a call for everyone. We are to earnestly care for others and take responsibility of each other’s soul. We are called to lead and follow at the same time. When we do it well with God, we are able to do it well with each other. Or it could be the other way around. And through our commitment to each other, we will be able to continue following our Lord, in humility, standing firm against all challenges.
Who is your Elder? Who are you called to lead?
Prayer
Lord, help us to see who you call us to lead and follow. Ultimately, help us to follow you, wholehearted, together. In Christ name we pray, Amen.
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