Scripture:
1 Peter 5:1-11 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 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. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. 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. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Observation:
Peter describes life in the flock. Three things I noticed. 1. Life in flock includes leading (elders and leaders) and being led (flock, the church). 2. The flock is pursued by the enemy. 3. Life in the flock is temporary that leads to the eternal.
Application:
In the church there are leaders and those who follow. There aren’t spectators. There aren’t stagnant believers. There is an expectation that there is growth and movement. In my life I should be leading others and should be following those I look up to and admire. I also am being pursued by the enemy and his desire is to devour me. I shouldn’t mess with him and the stuff he tempts me with. Also in order to qualify for “struggling with sin”, I have to at least fight back every once in a while. Finally I must remember that this world is not my home. I should feel out of place here. I don’t need to waste my time and resources on trying to fit in here. Instead I should invest into eternity and into the kingdom.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for showing me what life in the flock looks like. Thanks for making me yours and calling me yours. I pray for strength to resist the devil as well as for clarity that this isn’t my home.