February 5, 2023 . . .

In I Peter 5:1-7 he gives advice and instruction for those who have been called to be leaders in the church. And as important as those words were to the elders of his time, they also have meaning to all of us today in the way we conduct our lives as we lead others to Christ. In John 21:15-16, Jesus told Peter, “Feed my Sheep.” Being an elder in the church puts one in the position of a shepherd to a flock of sheep. We are to be humble, spiritually feeding and caring for those who follow Christ. We should lead willingly, eagerly, and be positive examples but with a sense of humility. As good shepherds, we will receive the reward of a crown of glory and an inheritance that will never fade away. Peter also tells us that we, “the sheep,” should be humble, too. There is no room in God’s kingdom for pride. God will resist the proud and give grace to the humble. As such, God will lift us up in His time. When we humble ourselves, we can fully cast our cares upon God . . . because He cares for us. Jesus Christ is our Shepherd and, YES, the Creator of the Universe cares for you, for me, and for all His people. The Lord is my Shepherd! (Psalm 23)