November 15, 2022

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: 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; not lording it 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 will never fade away.

1 Peter 5:1-4

Devotional

This is the voice of Peter, the disciple to whom Jesus charged, “Feed my sheep”:

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

How does Peter encourage the followers of Christ to be shepherds? He lists 3 things:

1. Willingness — Instead of being forced or dragged into service, we must discover a willingness, a desire, a calling that moves us toward this vocation of service.

2. Eagerness to serve — Not because of what it might do for our own benefit, not for influence over another person, but as a joyful response from that first calling, we must demonstrate a joy in which we simply cannot wait to make ourselves available for the opportunity to serve and care.

3. Being an example of service — When we serve, we have an opportunity to show someone else how to do it. Truly, there are people who don’t understand how it’s done, how to demonstrate a grace-filled joy in active caring. We don’t know the seeds we plant when someone witnesses the small ways we serve others.

Each of us is called to shepherd this world, sometimes in a very small corner, sometimes with a great flock indeed. Because we love Jesus, the call is upon us to shepherd. What would this world look like if all who claim Christ as their Lord and Savior went into the world with joy to serve in His name? Today, let’s go into our part of the world and rediscover that calling to serve.

For Reflection

Where am I called to serve today? Am I willing? Am I eager?

How can others discover a willingness to serve through my example?

Prayer

Gracious Lord, I want to serve today. Place me where you need me, to shepherd my little places of this world. Give me a sense of peace so that I can greet others with joy and caring. May others see my acts of caring and seek to repeat those same fruits of the Spirit in your name. Amen.