1Pet 5:1 The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:
1Pet 5:2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly
1Pet 5:3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock
1Pet 5:4 and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
We saw first of all ( in 1st Pet 5:1 ) the exhortation he was going to give them, was from one elder/pastor-teacher to another. Secondly, He witnessed the sufferings of Christ there on the cross. Thirdly, Peter was also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. He uses these two terms to describe the life and ministry of Christ, His first coming, ( suffering ), and His second coming ( glory ). Earlier in the letter, Peter also indicated that this is what the Spirit of Christ who was in the prophets indicated to them, and was testifying to them. In a very real sense, this is what the Bible teaches about from front to back. Jesus will come to the earth first time, and suffer for the sins of man. Jesus will then come back to the earth a second time, and reign in glory upon the earth for 1000 years.
Now in verses 2-4, he gives the exhortation. We remember, that an exhortation, means to encourage, to comfort, by way of instruction, to admonish, to console, to strengthen by consolation, to instruct, and to teach. So, here is what he says to them.........1. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you as overseers. 2 Not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly. 3. Nor as being lords over those entrusted to you. 4 But being examples to the flock. 5. And then the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
So, these five things really round out if you will the responsibilities of those called to pastoral ministry, those who lead the flock of God. To shepherd means to feed by teaching the Word, to rule by loving servanthood, to govern the flock, to supply all that is needed for the sheep, to protect them, and to lead them. To nourish the sheep, and to supply to them all that is required for their soul’s need.
All this is to be done then, not because you have to, but rather willingly. Leaders should want to lead, not have to be pushed to lead. Adding, that the leading also should not be done to make money, but rather, just eagerly, with a ready mind. And, they are not be lord it over, or be like big bosses over the flock ( leaders are to rule, but not as lords, but has helpers of their joy ) and, he sums their duties up by say, but “being examples” to the flock” In other words the flock should see in you what they ought to be. And a leader ought to look like Jesus in action.
The last thing he says to them, it remind them of the hope that they have as Christians, and pastors’ Jesus is coming. We are shepherds who serve under the Chief Shepherd. He is going to appear visibly. We will see Him face to face, and at that time, we will receive something from Him, is is the the crown of Glory, and this crown does not fade away. What is it?. Not exactly sure. It could be a simple reference to our new glorified bodies. Or it could be some other reward, that is reserved especially for those who have been in leadership down here among God’s flock. Either way, it will not fade away. It will last for eternity.
Lord, we love You, and we love Your Word. Thank You for giving it to us. In Jesus name.
Pastor Bob Grenier
