 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: 2 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; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 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.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 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. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Final Greetings 12 By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. 13 She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with the kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. Meditation In Christ, our sin struggles are never the end of the story. Meeting us in grace, Jesus redeems our worst ways to be deployed for His glory. Peter’s past was marked with putting his foot in his mouth and cracking under pressure. Embodying grace after His resurrection, Jesus met Peter personally. “Feed my sheep” was Christ’s commission in the charcoal redemption (John 21:17). By grace alone, Peter was led from breakfast on the beach to grace saturated leadership and life. Grace guides disciples in leadership because grace grows gratitude for the opportunity to lead. “Shepherd the flock of God… willingly… and eagerly,” (2) Peter writes, knowing Christ, the chief, shepherd will return. Grace shaped leaders eagerly embrace the suffering of Christ which accompanies servant leadership for the glory of Christ (1-5). Grace guides disciples in life by assuring that the God of all grace will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” believers (10). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God” (6), is Peter’s call to continue the submission essential to God’s mission. The enemy will try to distract you with his roar, stinging you with suffering, and pushing towards the pride of self-sufficiency. Lions roar to intimidate their prey. Satan will not intimidate the saints who stand firm in faith, knowing the victory of God through Christ will guard us as we live for Christ while exiled in this culture. Trusting grace to guide our life and leadership is a vulnerable place of faith. Peter reminds us to “cast our anxieties on Him” because “He cares for us” (7). Richly Dwelling -What stands out to you about how the grace of Jesus guides leadership specifically and life of the disciple generally? -How are you guided by things other than grace- Your pride, self-sufficiency, need for control, desires…? What have the results been? -Why is it totally transforming to know Jesus meets us in our mess to guide us forward in His grace? Your sin is not the end of the story- Where is God commissioning you to lead and live for His glory? Key verse 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Comments are closed.
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