Wherever persecution for one's faith breaks out, the leadership is particularly targeted for our enemy knows that if he gets the shepherd, the sheep will be scattered. Peter, in writing to the churches in Asia Minor, addresses the elders of those churches-- not as an apostle of Jesus Christ, nor as someone up on a pedestal, but as a fellow elder, a fellow witness of Christ's sufferings, and a fellow partaker of the glory to be revealed. He encourages them to shepherd the flock of God who has been assigned to them by the chief shepherd-Jesus Christ. They were given the task of spiritually feeding and caring for the believers in their care. But they needed to do it with the right approach: Care was to be given voluntarily, not forced, enthusiastically, not driven by money, and they were to provide leadership by example, paving the way for the others to follow. Now, while they may be the brunt of outside persecution and carry the weighty load of God's people, the reward is great, for faithful elders will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. To hear the words from the great Shepherd's lips, 'Well done! Good and faithful service!" will make whatever we might suffer now worth it all! So from one elder to another, don't give up but continue to serve the Lord and His church! |
