SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 5:1-14
OBSERVATION:
Peter identifies himself as a “fellow elder”, a reminder that in the community of Christ-followers there is no hierarchy. We are all under-shepherds under the Chief Shepherd, and we are called to serve the sheep in a selfless, loving and eager way!
The emphasis on suffering and submission is important, this is a repeated emphasis in Peter’s letter, a reminder that those who follow Jesus choose the path of cross-bearing (i.e. suffering for the sake, or salvation, of others). The repeated emphasis throughout the Bible, and confirmed again in Jesus, is that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble!
We are under attack, but we can depend on the Lord. Our enemy is a roaring lion, but we can resist him. And God will make us strong, firm and steadfast as we lean on Him. It makes sense that Peter stresses standing firm, considering the pressure that the believers were under. We shall overcome!
APPLICATION:
I am a fellow-elder with Peter, this is amazing. Even though we live in an idol-loving culture where even Christians separate the famous from the average of Christ-followers, Peter levels himself to my level. No autograph signing here, I am just one of you, he says!
Humility is not easily learned, but what makes it so hard is that the best way to learn it is through suffering… yeah right! Instead of running away from life-challenges, I need to stand firm in the Lord, resisting them! As I get on my knees and depend on the Lord, He will enable me to overcome. Running away is not the answer!
The devil knows my weaknesses, and I am aware of them too. I need to remind myself that I am on a battleground, that I am under attack, and that he knows how to beat me. Maybe if I think of each day as a battle I might be better equipped to stand firm, resist his attacks, and see the victory!
PRAYER:
Lord, I have been beaten down by the enemy many times, he seems to know when and where to get me. I choose to stay the course, I choose to get back up and keep going. I will not give in, I will not give up. Lord, help me to stand firm! Amen.
The passage tells those who are elders to serve as willing servants and examples of Christ Jesus. This must be done willingly and not because they have to. This is true for all of God’s people as part of the office of all believer – to willingly serve Him each day in what we do and say. Being submissive, being humble one toward another are signs of service. In all that I do, I need to cast all my worries on Him. I must stand firm in the faith, knowing that the sufferings I have helps me to reach out as Jesus Christ reached out. In that area I need encouragement. My I be a living witness of Christ Jesus living in me. May I trust always that God is God and I can cast all anxieties on Him. The joy of the Lord needs to be my strength was a song way back when and the simple words come to my mind throughout this passage.
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength,
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.
If you want joy, you must sing for it, jump for it and live it each and every day. Help me Lord in every way.