Read 1 Peter 5

“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” (1 Peter 5:2–4)

There are few things more comforting than to remember that Jesus, our Lord, is the Chief Shepherd of our souls. We do not ultimately look to men — even if they be truly spiritual — but we look to Christ, who is the Head of the Church. Men fail, but Christ is unfailing.

“For He is our God, And we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand...” (Psalm 95:7)

As Peter encourages the pastors and elders of the church to shepherd the flock of God with humble leadership and genuine motives, he reminds them to set their gazes upon the Shepherd of shepherds. A true shepherd is himself shepherded by the Lord. And when such a man is shepherded by the Lord, he is then able to shepherd others.

And as we reflect on these words given to pastors and elders, we should remember that there is application for all of God’s people here — not just pastors. God has called each one of us to be a shepherd in our own spheres of influence, whether that be in our families, our workplaces or our communities. This is not to take away from the gravity of its meaning to whom God has called to be pastors and elders of the church, but it is to recognize that the principles Peter teaches here are readily available for all of us.

First, we must recognize the flock which is entrusted to our care. Whom has God given you to care for? Whom has God entrusted to you? And who considers you to be their leader and mentor? It could be one or many individuals. Whatever the case, in order for us to take Peter's command to heart, we must be able to identify those among us that we are shepherding. If we do not take a frequent audit of this responsibility, we run the risk of losing a lamb which Christ intended to be fed by our supervision. Friend, have you neglected your entrustment from Christ?

While King Solomon has another principle in mind in the following Proverb, it nonetheless rings true with the application at hand —

“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, And attend to your herds…” (Proverbs 27:23)

Second, we must be willing and eager to shepherd those in whom Christ has entrusted to us. A willing heart is able to guide others with sincerity, and an eager heart is attentive other’s needs. On the contrary, to lead out of compulsion or for a dishonest advantage is nothing short of manipulation — it is wicked, perverse and ungodly. Therefore, we must always ask the Chief Shepherd to give us His grace to guard us from such vices and to lead His people wholeheartedly with godly conviction.

The prophecy of Isaiah about Christ, the good Shepherd, is the example we should cling to —

“He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, And carry them in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.” (Isaiah 40:11)

Finally, we must never be lords, but examples to those Christ has entrusted to us. We are to oversee by lowering ourselves. We are to lead our flocks by following the Shepherd. We do not dictate to others, but devote ourselves to others in order that Christ might be formed in them (see Galatians 4:19). A cruel and selfish shepherd will scatter the sheep, but a loving and selfless shepherd will lead them to living waters. May I be so bold to ask: How are you shepherding those Christ has entrusted to you? Selfishly or lovingly?

May all of us recognize our flock — whether it be one or a thousand. May all of us serve and selflessly love our flock in faithfulness that Christ has given us. For we must remember that our flock is ultimately Christ’s flock. And when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, appears He will reward us who have faithfully led by example according to His Word.

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” (Hebrews 13:20–21)

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