WHEN THE CHIEF SHEPHERD APPEARS!

Monday, July 20, 2020

WHEN THE CHIEF SHEPHERD APPEARS!

1 Peter 5:2-4

2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;

3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Dr. George W. Truett was pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas for nearly fifty years. Often he was asked to accept other positions, and he refused, saying, "I have sought and found a pastor's heart."

Peter addressed “elders” as a witness of the sufferings of Christ and also a partaker of his glory! He gives us a short job description for pastors and the first duty is to feed the flock.

The word “feed” is the Greek poimaino and literally encompasses the entire duty of tending the flock. Psalm 23 comes to mind as the shepherd goes before the sheep to check for danger, for green pastures and still waters.

Peter urges a “ready mind.” Those two words are actually only one word in the Greek. Strong’s Concordance uses an un-familiar word to explain it. The word is alacrity which means “brisk and cheerful readiness.” He warns against thinking that this is just employment for gain.

In 49 years of pastoral ministry, my authority has never been challenged by someone who did not want it for themselves. My compensation has never been questioned by someone who was not already well compensated but was envious for more. (First Timothy 5:18) Never has anyone envied my burden or wished to own my sleepless nights.

The crown of glory is the stephanos, or the victor’s crown. It was the laurel wreath that was placed upon the head of the winner of an Olympic game. It faded, eventually, because it was made of vegetation. The crown that Peter talked about would not fade away because it is made of firmer stuff.

Jer 3:15

15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Good Shepherd, grant to your churches pastors with your heart. AMEN