Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
And when the Chief Shepherd appears …
Summary: We often think of things that may happen in the future as happening ”someday.” Peter is not so vague. Talking about Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, Peter says ”when” he comes. It makes a difference!
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:4 (a) — Today”
… not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
Summary: Peter wraps up his thoughts on being a shepherd with encouragement to serve humbly.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:3 — Shepherds IV — The Example”
…not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve…
Summary: Peter points to a dangerous distraction that tempts some who are shepherds. He wants those who are shepherds to be ”eager to serve.”
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:2 (c) — Shepherds III — Eager to Serve”
… watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be…
Summary: We look at what it means to be a shepherd and explore how attitude affects what we do.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:2 (b) — Shepherds II — Willingness”
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—
Summary: Peter begins a passage dedicated to helping elders shepherd their flock. Why would he need to remind them of this? Shepherds are people, too.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:2 (a) — Shepherds I: Like David”
[I, Peter]… who also will share in the glory to be revealed.
Summary: Peter gives us several clues to the meaning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In today’s verse he returns to the theme of God’s Glory.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1 (d) — God’s Glory”
… and a witness of Christ’s sufferings …
Summary: When Peter says that he is a ”witness of Christ’s sufferings” he invites us to not only examine Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, but the way that Jesus lived his life and what he endured while here on earth.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1 (c) — Suffering”
… I appeal as a fellow elder …
Summary: How Peter addresses the people he is writing to is important. Making his appeal as a ”fellow elder” is a window into how God’s church works.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1 (b) — Who is in Charge?”
To the elders among you…
Summary: When Peter addresses part of his letter to “the elders,” he inadvertently highlights a sad and serious shift in cultural norms.
Continue reading “1 Peter 5:1 — Elders”
So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Summary: There is suffering we have earned and suffering that seems unfair. When we have to suffer for what seems like no reason, Peter says we need to turn to God and do more good.
Continue reading “1 Peter 4:19 — What To Do”