Daily Bible Reading (Tuesday, November 14th)
51 Peter 5 (ESV)
Shepherd the Flock of God
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,[a] not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;[b] 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.
Footnotes:
- 1 Peter 5:2 Some manuscripts omit exercising oversight
- 1 Peter 5:2 Some manuscripts omit as God would have you
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5 Comments
Kelly Bellinger Nov 18, 2017 @ 9:22 am
These verses are specifically addressing elders of the church (while very applicable to the rest of us) and it seems then that verse 8 "...be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." is very specific to elders. Not that the devil doesn't want us all, but that he specifically targets elders. How much it impresses us then that we should, as the flock, pray diligently for our leaders in the church. So that they may be protected, girded with prayer, encouraged and able to resist the devil's attacks - our love and prayers are with you gentlemen!
Chance Hunt Nov 14, 2017 @ 8:27 am
The elders are to set an example by shepherding the flock of God... "not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain". How does this set an example for the flock? The reason is that all believers are to follow the Lord not under compulsion, but willingly. All believers are to work not for shameful gain, but eagerly... [knowing that] when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory." Matt. 6:19-21 is a great cross reference: "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also".
Dee Escobedo Nov 14, 2017 @ 7:58 am
God has been, and remains so generous to BF by providing and raising up men whose hearts are for The Lord - appointing them elders over His flock. During this wonderful season of Thanksgiving let us remember that particular blessing and give great thanks to God!
Bruce M Nov 14, 2017 @ 7:20 am
In verse 2, it states that elders should shepherd not under compulsion. What is the definition of compulsion? It is "an irresistible urge to behave in a certain way, especially against one's conscious wishes". Our conscious wish is, according to Col 1:28, "we proclaim Him, admonishing every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ."
Arturo (Gordie) Nov 14, 2017 @ 5:59 am
What a strong urgency by the apostle Peter gives in regards to the elders of the church, Christ's church to shepherd the flock of God as he states his appeal in verses 2 & 3. What a great example we have at Believers Fellowship who abide in this exhortation. Prayers for the leadership as they honor and glorify God in this edification....for His glory and pleasure alone...