Elders (2)

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord.

Primary Text

“Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion or constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages and profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly and cheerfully;” 1 Peter 5v2(AMP)

The Apostle Paul here exhorts the elders (pastors and spiritual guides of the church) to - Tend the flock of God. In essence, the flock of God, the children of God in the local congregation are have been put in the care of the spiritual leaders. As a spiritual leader, how are you carrying out this responsibility? When the Lord Jesus was about to leave, He had a conversation with Peter which went along these lines: “So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord: Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep.” (John 21v15-17, KJV). Is there a flock in your care today? Are you nurturing them – helping them grow in the knowledge and grace of the Lord? Are you guarding them – protecting them and covering them with prayer? Are you guiding them aright, in the way of the Lord?

Supplementary Text

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd risks and lays down His [own] life for the sheep. But the hired servant (he who merely serves for wages) who is neither the shepherd nor the owner of the sheep, when he sees the wolf coming, deserts the flock and runs away. And the wolf chases and snatches them and scatters [the flock]. Now the hireling flees because he merely serves for wages and is not himself concerned about the sheep [cares nothing for them].” John 10v11-13 (AMP)

Prayer

Heavenly Father we thank You so much for Your Word. Father, we commit our elders and pastors and spiritual leaders into Your hands. We pray they will follow You and live godly lives in Jesus name, amen. Please grant them wisdom in leading the Church in Jesus name, amen.