1 Peter 5:1-14
Peter, the author of this epistle is often known as one of the pillars of the early church (Gal 2:9).
Jesus once asked Peter if he would “feed his lamb” and “take care of his sheep” if Peter truly loved Him (1 John 21:15-17). As it turned out, Peter became the elder and overseer to many early Christian Jews.
To be an elder, one would imagine a person of maturity in terms of age, but an elder in this context also means someone who has wisdom which normally comes with age.
Peter as a pioneer of the church displayed true humility when he did not speak down to the other elders of the church. He addressed them as “fellow elder” and appealed to them to serve the church with a pure motive – a genuine concern for believers rather than for what they can gain from others (v.2). And to serve without compulsion!
A true spiritual elder teaches (feed) the Word of God (spiritual food) to believers (lamb).
Elders who are overseers are also leaders who help to guide, nurture, protect and care (tend) for believers (sheep). Elders were called to live their lives as examples to the flock.
Although not very many people are called to be pastors or teachers, most of us are a “leader” to someone, therefore our lives should be a shining example to the glory of God.
Do you see yourself as someone who cares for other believers?
Whether we are literally an Elder in the church or just a growing believer, our role in caring for one another may bring us the unfading crown of glory when Christ returns.
After addressing the elders, Peter called upon the young men to be submissive to those who are older, but he mentioned all should be clothed in humility toward one another.
To be humble may mean to put away one’s agenda in consideration of others, so that God’s will may be done.
In today’s culture, it is not uncommon for young people to disrespect elders. Children rebel against their parents, and students against their teachers. It is a reminder for me to teach my children to honor our elders and to model an example to them.
We are called to put on (v. 5) humility, and to cast (v.7) all our anxiety on Him, which requires an active, conscious effort in faith because we believe in God who opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, …and that He cares for us.
By faith, we trust that He will lift the humble up in His time, and as we surrender our burdens to Him, we are freed from the heavy weight of life.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light- Matt 11:30. Peter called on believers to be self controlled and alert so that we will not fall prey to the devil who prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour. Christians are to stick together and to fix their eyes on Jesus; in doing so, we will be able to withstand the evil one. We are to resist the devil and persevere in our faith knowing that we are not alone in our sufferings.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us-Heb 12:1.
We have to remember our sufferings in this world will pale in comparison to the eternal glory we have in Christ Jesus. —- Lai Yee Leong
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