349. Shepherd the Flock of God!

Since Peter as a fellow elder was able to exhort the elders to shepherd the flock of God which was among them, it is clear that he had grown up to the maturity that our Lord Jesus Christ spoke of when He commanded him for the third and final time: “Feed my sheep!” John 21:17.

Serve as overseers for the flock, not by constraint but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly, nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 1 Pet. 5:1-3.

This is the elders’ great and principal task. If they can manage this, then they are in truth worthy of the name elder. Can they be an example to the flock? Can they serve without seeking dishonest gain? Can they serve with a willing heart? Can they refrain from lording it over the churches?

Indeed, if they can manage all this and continue in it, then when the Chief Shepherd appears, they will receive the unfading crown of glory. This is the highest reward a person can obtain, and it is given only to those elders who have carried out their service to the good pleasure of God and the church.

We already have many elder brothers among us. Let us strive diligently to heed Peter’s exhortation.