Living Hope Day 17

Living Hope Day 17 Reading:

1 Peter 5:1-4

Ponder

A few years ago, I worked on a highly collaborative team, led by a godly, caring boss. When he presented our ideas to company leadership, he would carefully explain, and if needed, fight for the ideas, projects and campaigns we had carefully crafted. He handled the questions and concerns and put his team first, sometimes ending up being the one who took the brunt of the consequences if a project didn’t deliver in the way our team had envisioned. 

That’s similar to the situation Peter may have been outlining in today’s verses. Elders were the spiritual leaders of the early church, and like my former boss, they may have faced the brunt of persecution first. Rather than identifying himself as better than or knowing more than the elders to whom he was writing, Peter presented himself as a co-leader, someone who understood well the reality of their situation. 

It’s one thing to suffer for your faith; but it’s a whole other thing to lead fellow believers through that suffering with the right focus. With that in mind, let’s examine the deeper truths Peter outlined in his message to elders: 

• Understand suffering in the right context. In verse 1, Peter stressed that he was both an elder and a witness of Christ’s own suffering. The message here is a reminder: As Jesus’ life (and much of Peter’s letter up to this point) has stressed, suffering is the pathway to glory. Jesus suffered on our behalf, and as his followers we should expect suffering as we seek to follow him. But rather than focusing on the painful, present circumstances, remember the eternal reward of a life lived for him.

• Care for the believers God has entrusted to you. Peter wanted these early church leaders to understand that their work wasn’t really about them; it was about God. They were to shepherd, to care for and to pastor the believers God had entrusted to them. It’s God’s flock, not the pastor’s. Elders are given the privilege and responsibility of caring for God’s church. 

• Serve eagerly, not grudgingly. Think about a time when you’ve served out of compulsion, then compare it to a situation where you served because you felt led to do so. Elders who serve out of obligation, especially in the face of persecution, will lose their joy and passion for the work. Those serving the church shouldn’t do so out of a desire for financial gain or a focus on what they’ll get out it. Elders should lead out of a desire to serve God. 

• Lead by example. Writing to church leaders in the midst of persecution, Peter exhorted them to lead by example. A position of authority within the church should not be used to oppress others or boss fellow believers around. Elders should seek to be faithful examples of Christ, exemplifying his character in their churches and daily interactions. 

• Your labor is not without reward. Throughout this letter, Peter often paired suffering with glory, and in verse 4, he reminded the church leaders of this truth once again. He presented Jesus as the “Great Shepherd” (NLT) or “chief Shepherd” (CSB), stressing that when he returns, he will judge all people and reward the faithful. And the reward you will receive is eternal and unfading and worth the painful circumstances you are now facing. 

Journal

While these passages may speak directly to elders or pastors, it’s likely many of us are serving our churches in some way. 

• How can you care for the believers God has entrusted to you? Who has God placed in your circle of influence whom you can encourage, pray for and serve? What steps will you take to care for these believers this week? 

• How would seeing those you serve as belonging to God rather than to you change your attitude or the way you minister to them? Explain. 

• Are you serving with wrong motives? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any motives other than bringing glory to God that are fueling your service. 

• Who are the faithful believers in your church who lead by example? Thank God for their faithful influence in your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal ways you can acknowledge or appreciate these believers in coming days.