“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: 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; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 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.’
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 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. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 5:1-11
Peter had been called by Jesus as a disciple, and over 3 years of zealousness and stumbling, impetuousness and misunderstandings, he was shepherded by this Good Shepherd. He learned the cadence of His voice in parable and warning, he observed His interactions and manner, He followed to unknown places. The Spirit of the Lord abided, persisted, and transformed him into a shepherd of the early church. Now by example and instruction, he taught, warned, and encouraged as he’d so patiently, lovingly, and purposefully received from his Lord.
Even if we are not called to large or wide public leadership, we all have someone to shepherd. Within families and friend groups, work and community relationships, even as tenders of our own disciplines, we bear accountability. And we are not left to our own devices! The Shepherd and Overseer of our souls is our perfect example and very strength to lead and care as He does. All He asks of us He supplies for us as we rely on Him in humility and willing obedience. (Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-16; John 10:11-15; 1 Peter 2:25)
How would our flock describe our keeping? How well do we know our sheep, and do they delight to hear our voice? Do we micro-manage or lord it over others gruffly, or as those superior, or do we lead as servants by example? Do we desire the good of others over personal gain, and how is this exhibited? How vigilantly do we resist the devil, and help others in the fight? For every reprieve and encouragement we have received, to whom are we offering the same in Jesus’s name?
For every flaw we own, weakness we bear, or mistake we make, look to the Shepherd for grace and help. He who calls is faithful to undertake. (Hosea 6:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Hebrews 4:16)
Lord, lead me to know You better so I might shepherd others as You do.
As the rain and snow 