Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 7, 2022
Read 1 Peter 5:1-11
1 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: 2 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; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Therefore, humble yourselves under God’s power so that he may raise you up in the last day. 7 Throw all your anxiety onto him, because he cares about you. 8 Be clear headed. Keep alert. Your accuser, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Do so in the knowledge that your fellow believers are enduring the same suffering throughout the world. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be power forever and always. Amen.
Good morning! Stand strong in the faith!
Peter is sharing with his followers ways in which they should live their lives. He spends much time talking about who to be a good leader within the body of faith. Peter shares the example of Christ the Great Shepherd who lovingly made sure his sheep were fed and cared for without appearing as a dominant being. Just as a shepherd who is willing to lay down his life to protect his sheep, Christ gave his life for us.
In verse 5, Peter quotes Proverbs 3:34 to provide great insight into living a Christian life: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” NRSV Pride is forever in opposition to God’s grace. We read so many accounts of earthly leaders in the Bible and in our time today who become proud of their accomplishments and lose sight of those with whom they are entrusted to lead.
Again, Christ taught that all should humble themselves before God, even God’s own son, to receive God’s grace. Those filled with pride want God to bless them based upon what they believe they deserve. The prideful are unable to admit their own weaknesses and sins. For true believers who submit themselves fully to Christ, God takes us without regard to our weaknesses and limitations and creates a new being that far exceeds anything imaginable by earthly standards. With the Holy Spirit working within us, we, the imperfect, are molded and shaped into willing servants of God who strive towards living like Christ.
Finally, in the final verses of the passage, Peter tells us to cast all of our worries and anxiety to God so that we are alert and prepared to challenge evil wherever and whenever it settles among God’s children.
Loving and Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. We have so far to go in our Journey to Christ, but we are moving step by step closer. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Cast your worries upon God and care for one another.
God loves us! Pastor Liz
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