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The
Commission of God
1 Peter 5: 1-11
Vs.8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the
devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone
to devour.”
In this passage Peter writes to the elders and the young
men. He assigns responsibility of spiritual leadership to people who
are elderly and young. He refers the elderly as the shepherd. Peter
says those who have come into this field of serving the people should
do it without any grudge. They should be care-takers. This is not out
of any compulsion. But it is only because one has chosen to do so. In
verse 3, Peter says when you take care of your flocks; you do so by being
good examples. Lord Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd (v 4). Just as
Jesus was a good shepherd to his flocks, the elders should to take care
of their people. For this the elders should first lead a life that is
worthwhile, that in return should attract the flocks to follow and
believe Him. God will bless and reward those who serve as good
shepherds.
In verse 5-7, Peter exhorts young men to be submissive,
showing obedience to those who are older. The main quality Peter urges
on the young is to be humble. Unless there is a get-along attitude
between the younger and the older generation the church cannot function
smoothly. Great confidence is a mark of youth. At the same time, tested
wisdom is a mark of maturity. So the church needs the talents of both.
The younger must submit to the elder and the elder must include the
ideas and views of the young. The best example from the
bible is humility of Jesus himself. Jesus was so humble because he
understood his purpose of being among the people. Peter says in verse 5
to clothe yourself with humility and in verse 7, he says to cast all
the anxiety on God because he cares for you. In other words Peter says
to love and respect one another and if there are worries to leave it to
God. It is human nature to solve all problems ourselves, no matter what
method one chooses. But, Peter says just leave all troubles to God.
From Verse 8-11, Peter says how to stand against any evil
force. He says to be self-controlled and alert. Satan knows our
weaknesses as much as we know them. Many a time Satan is trying to put
us down. But Peter says in verse 9 to resist him and stand firm in
faith. No matter who tries to put us down we need to stand strong in
our faith and do things that are pleasing to God. There are many in
this world that are persecuted for practicing Christianity. When we
have decided to dedicate our lives to God and serve him, we will have
to face many trials and temptations. We need to stand strong in our
faith and be ready to suffer for our God. At the end Peter says the
Almighty and powerful God is enough to supply all the grace that is
needed for the disciple to survive. He is the only one who can restore
us and make us strong day by day. His grace is sufficient for us. And
it’s a big honor to receive God’s grace and peace.
PRAYER
O Lord give me the wisdom and the strength
needed to stand against all evil forces and help me to do my ministry
without any grudge. Amen
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Pillar of the Church is the fellowship of
elders and youngsters.
Christian
Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
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