The word “elder” literally means old man, but with the layered sense of a mature man who has seasoned judgement. (The singular feminine version of this word is never used in the Bible. Just an FYI). Peter is identifying himself with them, but goes a step further as an actual eyewitness of Jesus’ life and sufferings and death. Peter is explaining the role of leaders in this new church, and the role of “lay people” in the new church. Then he encourages them as they live in this New Way, and how to interact with the world around them. He closes with final greetings from himself, his ministry partner, Silas; (possibly) a sister church in Babylon; and his “protege” Mark. Love and Peace.
Peter is an eyewitness to both Jesus’ life and the explosion of the early church. He uses his special insight to instruct both leadership and lay workers. Elders are in charge as a shepherd, caring for the needs of those in their church. Being an elder should be seen as a privilege not a burden; the ministry should be carried out eagerly and patterned after the chief Shepherd, Jesus, not for fame, wealth, or power. The reward is in heaven, the imperishable beauty of a crown. All others have a place, too—Listen to and learn from those who have more experience following God. Take the humility you see in Jesus and put it on as habitually as you get dressed every single day. God notices motivation and attitude and rewards it justly.
Humility before God is a goal. Because in our humble attitude, God will dignify us, which is Much Better than us trying to honor ourselves. Trying to do anything in our own power brings anxiety and renders us powerless to complete the work God has for us. Give that over into the hands of our caring God, and relax into the role He has ordained for you.
We do have an enemy, a powerful predator who since the garden of Eden has prowled, trying to trip us up and devour us. But because of God’s great power, to us Satan is a “roaring” lion. A lion is not able to sneak up on it’s prey while roaring. God in His great love for us has opened our ears to the sounds of the one who would attack us. We just have to be both calm and observant. We can withstand any attack from the enemy as long as we are standing strong in our allegiance to King Jesus. We have a support system in the family of God, who are living, suffering and dying for the same cause—the Good News of Christ Jesus. The suffering we face is a lifetime commitment; but in the Big Picture, it’s just a little while. God, who has set eternity in our hearts, will Himself bring us back, establish our validity, strengthen us, and reorient us to His Kingdom. May God have sovereign power forever.
This chapter changes me by showing me my role. And no matter what role I find myself in, attitude and motivation absolutely matter to God. Making God’s name famous, not our own and not anyone else’s, is our goal. With humility and pure love. It changes me by relieving my anxiety, the fear of the enemy, because God has pointed out the strategy of the devil and has equipped me to be on the defense with a calm that can only come from the God of all grace. May I stand firm in the true grace of God, show love to my fellow believers, and be an instrument of peace.
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