1 Peter 5:1-14
Tuesday, 19 March 2024
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.-1 Peter 5:10 NIV
Apostle Peter introduces himself as a fellow elder, a witness of the sufferings of Christ and a partaker of the glory (V. 1). The first Epistle of Peter focuses on exhorting believers to stand firm in all kinds of sufferings and to set forth the true grace of God. There is much emphasis on sufferings in the true Christian life according to Lord’s will and the rewards that follow. When Peter wrote this letter, many underwent tremendous sufferings and troubles, many were persecuted and gave their lives because they wouldn’t deny their faith. They prepared themselves to face sufferings because the Master showed an example to follow in His footsteps. For ages and even today many children of God go through similar sufferings because of their faith. All through the word of God we see many examples of suffering in the life of children of God.
In the key verse, Peter reminds us that the suffering in this world is just for a little while and the blessing thereafter is great! By His grace He called us to partake His eternal glory in Jesus Christ. Further, all these sufferings lead to the perfection, establishing our faith, strengthening our spiritual life and laying a strong foundation. While troubles and sufferings are growing greater in these days, the hope and the reward which God has kept for us, provide great hope in our Christian walk. In today’s reading, Peter exhorts Pastors and Elders as well as all Christians about our daily Christian walk. When we practice the advice provided, we will surely receive the blessings that God has kept for us. Let’s look into it:-
Exhortation to Pastors and Elders (Vs 2-3)
· Feed the flock of God
· Take oversight of the flock of God
· Serve God and His flock willingly
· Serve readily
· Do not serve for personal gain
· Do not be lords over God’s heritage
· Be examples to the flock
The blessing/reward of faithful serving is - when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory (V.4).
Counsel to all Christians (Vs 5-9)
· Submits to the elders
· Submit to one another and remain humble
· Humble ourselves to God (When we do this, He may exalt us at the proper time -V.6)
· Cast all our anxieties on Him (because He cares for us)
· Be sober-minded, vigilant and watchful
· Resist Satan/enemy in faith.
The counsel to both leaders and believers is interconnected— everyone has a responsibility, and no one is exempted. Before God, we all are defenseless. When we fulfill our part with great humility, depending upon the grace of God, we will surely accomplish the great purpose of the Lord through our lives.
Just as Jesus foretold, all the end time prophecies are being fulfilled and we are witnessing a dramatic increase in suffering and persecution all over the world. All these are signs of His Second Coming. While the whole world seems to be worried, for the child of God, great is his hope and reward. For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:11) But, “If we deny Him, he also will deny us.” (2 Timothy 2:12). God in His mercy revealed to His church, the body of Christ, His amazing plan—the hidden mystery. Upon knowing His marvelous plan, we His creation can only stand in “awe” in His presence humbling ourselves and yielding to His perfect plan!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home. (Amazing Grace: John Newton)