What a Leader Does

In 1 Peter 5:1-4, the Apostle Peter gives authoritative advice to leaders in the church...elders. He gives it not as an authority over them so much as he does a fellow elder/leader. See John 21:15-17.

The exhortation or command is: "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you" v.2. To "shepherd" is to guide and provide. It is to give oneself for the safety and health of those who are cared for. The shepherd in Jesus' time was not behind driving the sheep, but out front leading the sheep. He could lead the sheep because, as Jesus said, they know the voice of the shepherd and trust him and therefore follow him (John 10:3-4). In this day of concern for numbers and gathering crowds the "knowing" part of the relationship between shepherd and sheep often goes out the back door. In this day of deep self-absorption, the loving of ourselves often turns shepherding into manipulation of the sheep for the shepherd's benefit.

Whom has God given YOU to shepherd? Kids, employees, a small group, a wife, a local congregation?? To shepherd them there must be the opportunity for them to learn your voice. To learn your voice and trust your voice your "sheep" must have interaction with you where you are feeding and leading, guiding and providing. That is, they must learn your voice in the context of your CARE for them, your LOVE for them. If they learn our voices in that context, with consistent service for their good, they will hear and they will follow.

Not to be overlooked is the primary description of these sheep: "The flock of God..." Yikes! These sheep are not really mine! They aren't primarily MY flock. They are God's flock. We care for them for God. God has given us the high calling of caring for His own. God sent His Son to redeem them. God moves heaven and earth in sovereign purpose for their good. God supplies all they need inwardly by His Spirit and outwardly by others. God protects them from Satan and evil men. It is clear...they are God's flock. But God also provides them with shepherds. Like you and me.

Any way you look at it, this is a glorious and sobering call, "Shepherd the flock of God among you." May the Chief Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) give us the heart of shepherds for His flock under our care.