Good Morning!

1 Peter 5
To the Elders and the Flock

1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[a]
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Footnotes:
a. 1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34

The passage above was the subject of the preacher’s sermon Sunday. The word “elders” in the Greek is presbyteros – one meaning of which is one who presides over the assembly. So is that a parallel to the “pastor”? Well, I will let you decide … but I believe it could be any person who fills a leadership role within the body of believers. Peter admonishes all of us (and I think all of us have leadership capability) to desire to shepherd the flock God has given you … whether it be one or a multitude. And our desire should have as its motivation the glorifying of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Not only should we be good and willing leaders – we should also be good and obedient followers. We should honor God in the way we follow those He has placed in authority over us. And I think that has a secular connotation as well – because we are an example to those around us. And I admit that it is not always easy to follow a boss with a dirty mouth – perhaps we can change that in the way we present ourselves to him or her. (Fortunately, those who I report to do not use profanity – which is a real blessing.)

I like the last verse … cast all our anxiety (cares) on Him because He cares for you. What a wonderful thought. “Here’s my burden, Lord. I am going to leave it with You today.” And He says: “I’ve got it.” Let Jesus have your burden right now.

Agape’


Mr. Jim


Prayer Need:
The family of Ruth Mundy who passed away Friday.