Shepherds Leading the Flock

1 Peter 5 reminds me of a shepherd and his responsibility of leading a flock of sheep.  Hence, the title of this post:  Shepherds Leading the Flock.  In this chapter Peter is speaking directly to the leaders of the church.  Are you a leader of the church?  Have you paid particular attention to this chapter.  I'm a Sunday School teacher.  I, as a leader of that group, need to take heed to this message.  I need to approach my role with great responsibility.  

So, what does it mean to be an elder?  Elder is defined as "a person of greater age."  But, is that what Peter really meant?  In this context, Peter was talking about wisdom and maturity rather than age.  This chapter tells the elders what they must do to lead their flock.  

1 Peter 5:2-3 tells us the "shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."

First, and foremost, the elders are to be shepherds of the flock of God.  In John 21:15-17, Jesus tells them how to do this.  He tells them that they must feed and tend the sheep.  One feeds the Word of God to the sheep.  To tend to them means to protect, guide, nurture and care for the sheep.  Secondly, they should do this willingly, not as if it is something that they just have to do.  You have to want to feed and tend the flock.   You should not lead them for financial gain.  You have to also be willing to be an example to those that you are tending. 

Peter goes on to tell the elders that they need to be humble and watchful.  1 Peter 5:5-8 tells us "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Humility.  What does it mean to be humble?  Well, it means to have a low view of one's own importance, to be meek and modest.  Humility is demonstrated by submission.  I talked about submission a few days ago.  Sometimes it is hard to be humble.  Sometimes our pride gets in the way.  God doesn't want us to be prideful.  

The key verse for me is this section of verses is this "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."  Read that again!  "Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you."  Do you have troubles?  Are you suffering?  Do you have problems that you just don't know how to handle?  Well, now is the time to give them over!  Why?  Because he cares for YOU.  Not just me, but YOU!  Isn't that comforting?  Especially, when we read that last part of verse 8, "your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."  Do you realize that someone he wants to devour is YOU?  Yep, he wants to devour you so that you don't seek the face of God.  But, when we give our cares to Jesus, we defeat the adversary.  

Suffering

There seems to be a lot of debate about suffering.  On Facebook after the death of a child you'll see those who have no faith post statements like this:  "If God is a loving God, like you claim, why did he allow this child to suffer."  I see it all the time. God doesn't cause the suffering, but he does allow it.  We may not understand why things do happen, we should cling to Him for comfort.  Romans 8:28 tells us that God may not cause all things to happen, but he does "cause all things to work together for good, to those who love God and are called according to His purpose."  

This is what Peter is trying to point out to us in 1 Peter 4:12-13.  We are going to face suffering, sometimes because of our faith.  We may even face persecution.  In verses 12 and 13, there seems to be two commands.  The first command is that they "not be surprised" at any trial you face because of being a Christian.  The second command is how to respond to the trials.  He tells us to "rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."  He is telling us that the trials we face will point to God's glory.  See that?  In Romans 8:28 we are told that all things work together for God's purpose.  Now, here in 1 Peter 4:13 we are told that His glory will be revealed.  Peter goes on in verse 16 to tell us that if we do suffer as a Christian, then we are to not be ashamed of it.  

The hymn "How Firm a Foundation" speaks to this very thing:  

"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."

So, when you're suffering, no matter the circumstances, be assured that you aren't alone.  Also be assured, that it is for God's glory.