Reading: I Peter 3-5
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble(I Pet. 5:2-5).
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed My lambs (John 21:15). Before ascending into heaven, Jesus had entreated Peter to Feed My lambs. With boundless love and infinite trust, Jesus had placed His most precious possessions in Peter’s care. This was a lot for Peter to take in at the time. Passionate and headstrong, Peter had been the disciple most likely to get caught up in the moment's emotions and speak or act without measured thought. Jesus, however, saw through the outer impetuousness to the heart beneath it, and it was to that heart that He entrusted His flock. Today’s reading allows us to fully see the Peter that Jesus saw.
Peter’s words here are nothing new. If we take it verse for verse, we will soon realize that Peter’s purpose here was to empower and instruct the next generation of leaders to take up the charge in precisely the same fashion in which Jesus had empowered and instructed him. When Peter bade the elder to lead, not as lords, but by being ensamples to the flock, and the younger to submit yourselves unto the elder, he did so with a complete understanding of their positions and needs. He who had learned true humility at the feet of Jesus now sought to impart that same gift to others.
Peter urged the elders to search their hearts and ensure that they undertook the ministry of God’s people willingly, embracing any and all hardships that it might entail, knowing that if they undertook this calling for any reason other than an all-encompassing love for their Savior that they would falter at the first sign trouble and the people would be cast adrift. No amount of filthy lucre (promise of financial gain) or desire for earthly power would ever be enough to compel them to risk everything to care for God’s children.
Peter viewed the younger members of the congregation with compassion, likely seeing in many of them the image of himself as he first was when he had been drawn to his Master’s side. Peter’s statement that God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble was not offered from the perspective of an abstract spiritual lesson but rather as a witness born of personal experience. Peter knew that in order to fully serve the Lord, these men needed to look beyond their own narrow views of what was right and proper and open their hearts to God’s truth, just as he himself had done. He also knew that the first step to opening their hearts was to willingly submit themselves to the authority of those God had placed over them. They had to trust that God knew what He was doing, even if it was beyond their understanding, and surrender themselves to His will.
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you(Heb. 13:17).
Thought For TodayThe more hurdles we overcome in our own spiritual journey, the more we can assist others in theirs.
Word Studies3:11 eschew = turn away from; ensue = earnestly pursue; 3:20 were saved by water = were saved from the water by entering the ark (that illustrates Christ); 4:15 busybody = one who interferes in other people's affairs that do not concern him.
Cross Reference:For I Pet. 3:10-12: See Ps. 34:12-16. I Pet. 5:5: See Prov. 3:34.
Pray For Staff:Judy McCrary • Government Official: Rep. Bill Posey (FL), Rep. Jared Moskowitz (FL) • Country: Macau (587,914) Eastern Asia • Religious Freedom • 50% Buddhist; 15% Catholic; 35% None/Other • Prayer Suggestion: Express your gratitude for the loving-kindness of God (Jer. 32:17-18).