Walking in Faith: Daily Inspirations for Your Spiritual Walk

FRIDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2023

TEXT: 1 Peter 5:1-14

1: To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed:

2: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;

3: not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

4: And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

5: In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

6: Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

7: Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

9: Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

10: 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.

11: To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

12: With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.

13: She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark.

14: Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

(New International Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: APPEAL OF AN ELDER

In the context of today's text, an elder is a church leader who witnessed the suffering of Christ (vs. 1) and is ready to share in the glory.

His appeal concerns shepherding God's flock under the leader; willingly serving as an overseer; and not being greedy for money as some are in the habit of doing.

Verse 5 shows the benefits of listening to the appeal made by the elder amidst persecution.

There is the need to humble oneself and serve each other by following the instructions of leaders so as not to incur the wrath of God (vs. 6).

Carry your daily struggles, stress, persecution and worries to God, recognizing that He cares. So, even when you go through pain, it is for a while, it does not last forever (vs. 10).

As a result of this encouragement from Peter, we cannot be afraid of persecution and suffering, rather we should stand firm (vs. 11-14).

QUESTION: How are you obeying the appeal of Jesus Christ over you?

PRAYER: Lord God, help me to pay close attention to every instruction or appeal from You to enable me resist the devil and his works, in Jesus name. Amen.