Monday 29 November, 2021

5 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.” 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.

This passage is awesome; it allows us to understand what our responsibilities are as shepherds and as sheep, because we are called to be both.  

It calls us to be people who lead from a place of watching.  We aren’t called to lord over people, force our opinions on others or have them do what we want. Our job is to serve them with a willing heart, helping them succeed and reach their potential in Christ.

Not only does it provide insight into how to lead but also how to be led.  Submission, it is probably one of those words that people of this generation struggle to understand, something that doesn’t come naturally but is something that opens the door for growth. 

It takes a lot to be someone who can submit, remaining teachable, allowing others to impart, correct and shape them, but as this passage instructs us, when a leader knows how to lead it opens the door for great success.  The way we lead and the way we are led go hand in hand and only work and reach their potential when they are both done in accordance with the will of God.

Finally I love how at the end Peter just tacks on “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. “  I love this! We can give him all our crap, all our struggles because the King of Kings and Lord of Lords cares for us, loves us deeply and sacrificially.

Lord, Thank you that you care for us so deeply that you are willing to take all our anxieties and burdens so that we can live in freedom. Help us today to lead with passion, follow with diligence and to live free, casting all our anxieties on your for you alone can save us. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Written by Ps. Annique Botta