"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, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; 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.” (1 Peter 5:1-5 ESV)
Before Peter ends this letter to the persecuted church, he reminds both the shepherds of the church and the church itself how they are to interact with each other and live with each other. God has ordained pastors/elders and deacons to lead His church. They have a huge responsibility when it comes to shepherding the flock. They are to do so in accordance to God's will - not for their own glory, but for His. Likewise, the people are to humble themselves under this authority. There is tremendous grace in this way of thinking. Prepare yourself for this weekend and pray for me as I deliver this message. May we both be blessed because of it.
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