Shepherd the Flock of God

In good times and especially in difficult times, all of us need to be part of an extended group that is blessed with those who care for each other.

In difficult times we need others and every time that there is a group of others, someone needs to lead and guide. Some have leadership gifts. Others have caring and helps gifts. That usually requires some level of leadership to make sure all are cared for and moving the same direction, a direction that is safe and secure.

Times of crisis and for that matter very few times call for a committee of the whole approach.

My mother never asked us what we wanted for supper. In our family, when we were younger, we did not vote on what was bedtime.

In the Scriptures, believers are often compared to sheep, the reason being, left to their devices, domesticated sheep do not fare well. They also always need wise caring shepherds.

Those to whom Peter wrote were believers, strangers and exiles, whom God knew were scattered across much of present day northern Turkey. God did not leave them to fend for themselves. To address their needs, Peter commanded those whom God gifted to shepherd the flock of God by shepherding and overseeing. With that command, Peter was also pleading with the flock to allow themselves to be shepherded. Peter addressed shepherding the flock of God by explaining:

1 Shepherds - Who are they? - 1 Peter 5:1

Elders/Presbyters/Pastors

Among you

Fellow elder

Witness of the sufferings of Christ - Apostleship

2. Shepherds - Whom do they shepherd? - 1 Peter 5:2a

Flock of God

Among you

3. Shepherds - How/why d they shepherd? 1 Peter 5:2b-3

Feed/tend the sheep - Jn 21:15-17; 1 Tim 3:2; 2 Tim 2:2; Tit 1:9

Not under compulsion

Not for shameful gain, but eagerly

Not domineering over, but being examples

3. Shepherds - When/how are they accountable? - 1 Peter 5:4

When the Chief Shepherd appears

Will receive unfading crown of glory