Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Peter 5:1-4.

 

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God;  and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness;  nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”  1 Peter 5:1-4.

 

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Elders exhort.  “Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder …”  Verse 1.

 

Elders exercise oversight.  “… shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight …”  Verse 2.

 

Elders are examples.  “… proving to be examples to the flock.”  Verse 3.

 

Let us also look at other Scripture.

 

Elders exhort (teach).  “An overseer (elder), then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”  1 Timothy 3:2  “The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.”  1 Timothy 5:17   

 

Elders exercise oversight.  “Overseers”, the very word for elders, describes their important duty of oversight.  “It is a trustworthy statement:  if any man aspires to the office of overseer (elder), it is a fine work he desires to do. … He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),”  1 Timothy 3:1 and 4-5.  

 

Elders are examples.  Although the following verse was part of Paul’s general teaching for Timothy, and did not specifically mention elders, it is certainly applicable to elders.  “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”  1 Timothy 4:12. 

 

The concluding verse of today’s Scripture reminds us that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is our “Chief Shepherd” and is the chief example that elders should follow.  Elders too should be good shepherds. 

 

And, we have God’s promise that He will raise up good shepherds to take care of His church.  “I will also raise up shepherds over them and they will tend them;  and they will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord.”  Jeremiah 23:4