After feeling quite a bit of fatigue last night I had some good energy and activity today. I attended my Tuesday morning prayer time and then got in a work out at the fitness center before getting in some landscaping work before the snow falls. I was able to get some other officials duties taken care of as well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “As I looked, thrones were put in their places, and God, the Eternal One, sat on his throne. His clothes were white like snow, and the hair on his head was white like wool. His throne was made from fire, and the wheels of his throne were blazing with fire. A river of fire was flowing from in front of him. Many thousands of angels were serving him, and millions of angels stood before him. Court was ready to begin, and the books were opened.”  Daniel 7:9,10 NCV

Daniel is about dreams, visions and divine interventions. We see God revealing Himself to Nebuchadnezzar and then to his son Belshazzar who failed to learn the lesson of humility from his father and in turn lost his throne to another ruler.

During the reign of Belshazzar Daniel has a vision of the sea and beasts. In Bible prophecy the sea speaks of people, so we see these beasts representing rulers and nations coming up from among the people. Much of what unfolds is future history for the world of Daniel, but past history from our perspective, but also prophecies about events yet to happen.

In the midst of all the images of beasts and thrones, we see “a” throne or “the” throne which is most important. While human kingdoms may come and go and jockey for power and positions and dominance, the throne of God stands firm over all. God’s reign is not coming, it already is!

We see a picture of God sitting on His throne. The throne is not empty  and God is not standing waiting for some coronation. He is in position of rule and authority and is at the task of exerting His judgment. His throne is made of “fire” and has “wheels.” Not only that a “river for fire” flowed before Him.

We see the fire purifies and destroys. No one can stand before a blazing fire; and in like fashion no one can stand before the great God of the universe who is not bound or confined by time and geography.

Just as a king is attended by servants, we see the throne of God served by angels…thousands of angels and millions of angels before Him. We often forget about the “heavenly host” that is active in our world. God is not alone, His presence is filled with angels. Not only do they serve God, they serve “God’s people.” “…angels are only servants–spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.“ (Hebrews 1:14 NLT)

Finally we see the “books are opened” and court was ready to begin. This is a vivid picture of God as judge of all the earth and judge of all the kingdoms of the world.

We see this great picture of “God’s throne” sandwiched between Daniel’s description of a “little” horn that grew up out of three of the beasts or nations. While earth is in the midst of all its activities, while ruler believe they have ultimate authority, there is a God in heaven who is sovereign and in control and stands ready to judge.

God acts. In His time and in His way. We see a description of an event that sounds much like the Book of Revelation, “…I saw in front of me someone who looked like a human being coming on the clouds in the sky. He came near God, who has been alive forever, and he was led to God. He was given authority, glory, and the strength of a king. People of every tribe, nation, and language will serve him. His rule will last forever, and his kingdom will never be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13,14 NCV)

On the Isle of Patmos, John saw a revelation that included this, “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. (Revelation 1:7 NIV)

There is a day coming ( just as all other days of prophecies have been fulfilled) when Christ will return. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom and those who belong to His kingdom will be a part of that eternal kingdom. Daniel saw it, John saw it and one day there will be a generation that sees it not as a vision, but as fulfillment of God’s promise. That is the day of the final “Amen.”

We are enjoying a few more days of mild weather before a predicted snow comes our way. It was nice to have a day to get caught up one some personal finance work and to get some of the leaves out of the front yard.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “The Most High God has done miracles and wonderful things for me…His wonderful acts are great, and his miracles are mighty.His kingdom goes on forever, and his rule continues from now on.”  Daniel 4:2,3 NCV

These words of praise above sound like words you would find in the Psalms or one of the prophets. But they come from the idol-worshiping, powerful King Nebuchadnezzar who was the ruler of the known world. His armies conquered the Assyrians, he overpowered Jerusalem and Judah and eventually moved into Egypt. His wealth, power and fame were widespread. He was, after all the head of Gold from the statue in the first dream Daniel interpreted for him. (Daniel 2)

Nebuchadnezzar had a revelation and a testimony about the greatness of God and he shared it with everyone. It all started with another dream. The dream was troubling and had a clear message of judgment.  The dream was a picture of the greatness of his kingdom, but also had a chilling turn of judgment and torture.

One of the first things we can learn is that “when all seems to be well…all may not be well.” Nebuchadnezzar said, “I, was happy and successful at my palace…” (Daniel 4:4) For this great King the battles had been won, kingdoms conquered and he was enjoying peace and prosperity. He thought all was well, but soon discovered God had another perspective.

The verdict and future was clear…“You will be forced away from people to live among the wild animals. People will feed you grass like an ox, and dew from the sky will make you wet. Seven years will pass, and then you will learn this lesson: The Most High God is ruler over every kingdom on earth, and he gives those kingdoms to anyone he chooses.” (Daniel 4:25 NCV)

The warning and counsel was clear… “Stop sinning and do what is right. Stop doing wicked things and be kind to the poor. Then you might continue to be successful.” (Daniel 4:27 NCV)

Then we observed that delayed judgment does not mean avoided Judgment. “Twelve months later as he was walking on the roof of his palace in Babylon,  he said, “I have built this great Babylon as my royal home. I built it by my power to show my glory and my majesty.” (Daniel 4:29,30 NCV) With those words God acted and stripped the great King of his power and sanity. A year of peace….then seven years of torture.

Recognizing the true God brings restoration. “I, Nebuchadnezzar, looked up toward heaven, and I could think normally again! Then I gave praise to the Most High God; I gave honor and glory to him who lives forever.“ (Daniel 4:34 NCV) Nebuchadnezzar was use to people bowing before him and “looking up” to him. Now he finds himself in the lowliest position possible and is restored when he “looks up” to the God of heaven. His gods could not keep him safe or rescue him. He “honored” Daniel with a name in honor of his god, but he found out that “God is judge” (the meaning of the name Daniel)

Nebuchadnezzar found that true prosperity and authority come from God. “I became king again and was even greater and more powerful than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, give praise and honor and glory to the King of heaven. Everything he does is right and fair, and he is able to make proud people humble.” (Daniel 4:36,37 NCV) Here is a king that experienced the success and honor that comes through human efforts, but then found that even greater success and honor comes from submitting to the true God of heaven and earth.

Peter reminds believers, “….God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:5,6 NIV) From Nebuchadnezzar’s story we can learn it is better to humble yourself, instead of being humbled by God. We can be confident that the Lord honors those who honor Him. Finally, when conviction or correction comes into our life, an immediate response is best.

This morning we traveled to Lakewood early to attend the Lakewood Vineyard church service. Our oldest grandson Riley was being baptized, so it was a special occasion. My mother was able to attend so we had four generations of faith present for the occasion.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“God gave these four young men wisdom and the ability to learn many things that people had written and studied. Daniel could also understand visions and dreams.…Every time the king asked them about something important, they showed much wisdom and understanding.”  Daniel 1:17,20 NCV

The downfall of Jerusalem and Judah took place in phases. The final days were not the result of a sudden taken over but years of struggle. After the godly reign of Josiah his son Jehoahaz became king but was taken captive by the King of Egypt. Neco King of Egypt made Jehoahaz’s brother King and gave him the name Jehoiakim.

During the reign of Jehoiakim Nebuchadnezzar attacked Jerusalem and took possessions from the Temple and took a number of captive including young men from “important families, including the King of Judah.” These men included Daniel and his three friends. We don’t know for sure their family background, but we do know when Jehoiakim’s son was taken captive to Babylon his brother became King, apparently because He had no sons.

The bottom line instead of Daniel and one of his three friends perhaps being King in Judah, they were selected to be in prominent positions on Babylon. These four men serve as an example of how to be “godly leaders” in an ungodly land.

First we see they chose their identity based on their faith and heritage, not their culture. One of the first things that Nebuchadnezzar did was change their names. Names have meanings and those meanings in the Bible were of great significance. For example, Hannaniah means ‘Yahweh is gracious’, Mischael means “Who is like Yahweh?” and Azariah means “Yahweh has helped”.  Their names were changed to Shadrach (purportedly means the command of aku, a Babylonian moon god); Meshach (supposedly means the servant of a Chaldean god) and Abednego (means the servant of Nabu/Nego, another Babylonian god). Daniel, whose name means “God is Judge” was changed to Belteshazzar (“Bel protects his life”).

We see in the history of these four Hebrews in Babylon that as they stayed true to the true God, He showed Himself as the One who the true judge, the gracious God, who protects and who is above all, “no one like our God.”

Next we see that they refused to be identified with the prevailing culture. For whatever the reason, they did not “defile themselves” with the King’s food. As a result the Lord granted them favor and status.

We see that these men became distinguished among all the leaders and wise men of Babylon through the knowledge and wisdom that the Lord provided. Scripture is very clear that “God gave them…wisdom and the ability to learn…”

God’s wisdom and insight gave Daniel the knowledge to know and interpret the King’s dreams and this was what Nebuchadnezzar said, “Truly I know your God is the greatest of all gods, the Lord of all the kings. He tells people about things they cannot know.“ (Daniel 2:47 NCV)

When God rescued the “three Hebrew children” from the fiery furnace Nebuchadnezzar declared, “Praise the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Their God has sent his angel and saved his servants from the fire! These three men trusted their God and refused to obey my command. They were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god other than their own.” Regardless of where they lived or how they were identified they knew where their “true north” was found and as a result God honored them and used them in their “alien” world.

We can learn and be encouraged from the life and example of these four men. Sometimes the Lord takes us away from our “comfort zones” and uses us in places that are “foreign and unfamiliar.” As that happens if we keep our focus on pleasing God and living according to His ways, He will provide the favor that is needed to be a person of impact and influence.

Then for all Christ-followers, it is important for us to know and identify with the “kingdom” that is our true home. In Jesus “priestly prayer” He said of His disciples, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.“ (John 17:16 NIV) Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world…” (John 18:36 NIV) However, the Lord desires to use us to demonstrate His power and reveal who He is and to be a source of wisdom and influence in the “kingdom” where we live.

As we observe the actions and attitudes of the prevailing culture, we need to adjust our attitude and perspective. Instead of complaining and being distressed because of “what is” – we need to seek the Lord how we can make a difference and even allow those in power to see that “God is the greatest of all gods.”

This morning, I thought it had snowed, but we just had a heavy frost on the ground. Fall and winter is finally coming our way. However, our grass is as green as midsummer. It was good to get outside and try to tackle the battle of the leaves that had fallen from the trees while we were gone.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world.” John 16:33 NCV

When it comes to life in this world peace or trouble is not a choice. Jesus stated as a matter of fact, “in this world you will have trouble..” You can count on it, trouble will come from a variety of sources.

Much of the trouble for Christ followers can come from their faith. Jesus said of those who rejected Him, “…they have seen what I have done, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this happened so that what is written in their law would be true: ‘They hated me for no reason.’” (John 15:24,25 NCV)

Paul told Timothy, “…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV)  Peter wrote to believers enduring suffering and said, “…do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12 NIV)

We also see trouble coming from some key arenas in life. James says, “For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual , and demonic”. (James 3:15 NLT) These are often summarized as the “world” the “flesh” and the “devil.” Some translations use the word, “self-centered” for “unspiritual.”

We live in a fallen world, where there is sin and disease. There are natural disasters and we see too often “the innocent suffer for the guilty.” At other times we find that “we are our own worst enemy.” Temptations and the self-centered life that is evident from the early years of life, can cause all kinds of trouble throughout our life.

It is also important to remember that we do have a spiritual enemy who wants to “steal, kill and destroy.” Peter warned, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.“ (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)

But we see that Jesus gives a sense of hope and direction. He enable us to “be brave.” We can have the courage and strength that is needed to be an overcomer in all areas of the trouble and the challenges of life. When Jesus preparing to leave this world He told His disciples, “I will not leave you as orphans…” (John 14:18 NIV) He promises to be with us always. His grace is available to forgive and strengthen. John wrote and said, “….you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.“ (1 John 4:4 ESV)

We take heart because Jesus has overcome the world and all that will confront us. When we stay close to Him we can have the assurance that we are overcomers as well. John wrote these encouraging words, “…everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:4 NIV) Peter said in our spiritual warfare we are to “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.“ (1 Peter 5:9 NIV) Paul said, it is the “shield of faith” that distinguishes the “fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

Trouble is a part of life, but victory in trouble can be ours as well. We overcomer through a life trust and faith, allowing Christ’s strength to be lived out through our lives.

After returning home on Tuesday, I have had early morning meetings the last three days. That has been unusual for my regular schedule. I did enjoy attending a Local Legislative Committee meeting with the Fort Collins Chamber and hearing a presentation by County Commissioner Tom Donnelly.

After some office work that took longer than anticipated, I had another fitness center workout with my trainer. It went better today than on Wednesday when I a forgot to take my midday medications.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.”  John 12:42,43 NCV

If there was a group that was threatened and intimidated by Jesus it was the Pharisees. The raising of Lazarus from the dead was the turning point miracle in Jesus ministry. When the Pharisees heard of it their sense of being threatened was evident. They responded, “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him.” (John 11:47,48 NCV)

While they stated their concern was for the security of the nation, it was really their own security and authority they held over the people they were concerned about. As people began to believe in Jesus it presented them a challenging choice. To believe in Jesus was to incur the wrath of the Pharisees. We see when Jesus healed the man blind from birth his parents were afraid of the Pharisees because, “the Jewish leaders…had announced that anyone saying Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue.” (John 9:22 NCV)

This put pressure on those among the religious leaders of the day. Two of note are Nicodemus and Joseph of  Arimathea. Nicodemus came to Jesus at night as recorded in John 3. Later when the Temple guards returned without arresting Jesus, the Pharisee rulers asked, “Have any of the leaders or the Pharisees believed in him? No!” (John 7:48 NCV) What is interesting is, Nicodemus was in the group. He tried to speak up, but was quickly put down by the others.

Joseph from Arimathea is known for being the one who “loaned” a tomb for Jesus burial. But we see some insight into his background. “Joseph of Armiathea asked Pilate if he could take the body of Jesus. (Joseph was a secret follower of Jesus, because he was afraid of some of the leaders.)”    (John 19:38 NCV) Joseph was a “secret” follower of Jesus, but when Jesus died on the cross his courage was strengthened. Mark’s gospel records that he, “went boldly to Pilate..” (Mark 15:43 NIV)

So we see along with the women, these two “secret followers” of Jesus were responsible for providing the spices and burial place for Jesus. Though they had been silent in the past, they were willing to step up and take action.

Solomon tells us, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”  (Prov. 29:25 NIV) Being praised and respected by people is not bad. But when it comes to valuing human opinion and status over God’s….that is a problem.

Jesus stood up to the intimidation of the Pharisees and said, “Your approval means nothing to me, because I know you don’t have God’s love within you.” (John 5:41,42 NCV) When it comes to the approval and praise of people, it is godly people whose opinion counts the most.

The praise of people or of God. Many today, are intimidated into silence because of “what others might think” if they stand up for Christian values or even let others know of their faith. At times these modern day Pharisees make people believe that it is “their” opinion or approval that is the most important to achieve status or success.

It is for the timid in their faith that the words of Paul to Timothy are important to remember, “God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NCV) The words of Jesus are challenging and important for us to remember, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38 NIV).

May the Lord give us all, the courage and wisdom and love to be those who stand strong for Christ and reflect Him well to those around.

I made a early morning trip to Berthoud to meet with the Executive Director of the Berthoud Chamber of Commerce. It was my first time to be in Berthoud. What is of interest is that my paternal grandmother was born in Berthoud. I will have to check out the local museum and see what I can learn of the history of the town. I’m glad we didn’t get the snow and cold that was anticipated, I still need to have my sprinkler system blown out. I believe this will be the latest in the year this has ever happened.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When the people heard Jesus’ words, some of them said, “This man really is the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Christ.” Still others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee…” John 7:40,41 NCV

Jesus was an enigma in many ways, to many people. He said things people did not expect. He did things they did not like. When it was recognized that He performed a miracle, the religious leaders were upset because it was on the Sabbath. His words comforted, but more often confronted, challenged and confused. The “coffee”shop discussion on “who is this man?!” was always of interest and always filled with controversy.

The opinion of people in John 7 reminds me of Matthew’s gospel when Jesus turned to His disciples and asked two important questions, “who do men say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?”  (Matthew 16:15) It is always challenging when the focus turns from “them” or “they” to “me.”

The Jews of Jesus’ day were familiar with the ministry of John the Baptist and the record of the Old Testament prophets. So, it made sense to at least affirm that Jesus was or is “the” prophet. Yet others were more convinced by not only His word but His miracles and declared Him to be the “Christ” or Messiah.

The last group seems to almost “get it” – but they stumbled because Jesus was from Galilee and a Nazarene. We see their knowledge of the prophecies about the Messiah because they said, “The Scripture says that the Christ will come from David’s family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived.” (John 7:42 NCV) They were so close; they just forgot their internet search to find that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and was tied to David’s lineage.

It seemed like there were those who looked for reasons to not believe. Jesus addressed some of these who struggled with His teachings and said, “…even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” (John 10:38 NIV)

What we observe in Jesus day, we can see in ours. If someone doesn’t want to accept the testimony of Jesus, more “evidence” is usually fruitless. People in Jesus day even with seeing Him, hearing Him and witnessing His miracles, struggled to believe in Him. For many, He “just didn’t fit into their frame of reference.”

How often that is the case today. There are those who refuse to believe because of something the Lord has done or not done that is outside of their context. So people demand more. At times the Lord in His grace provides what is needed for personal belief; at others times He doesn’t; leaving what a person already knows and has experienced for them to consider.

It is interesting how many people remain “confused” about Jesus. It is easier to engage in generalized discussions, than to bring it home to a personal level. But it is on the personal level where Jesus meets each of us. While He taught the multitudes, He healed one person at a time. He took time for a Samaritan woman at a well, He took time for a Pharisee coming to see Him under the cover of night. He took time to release a woman caught in adultery to a new life. He took time for a tax collector names Zacchaeus. To those who wanted to “see” He opened their eyes. To those who refused to believe, He allowed them to stay in their “darkness.”

After the controversy over the healing of a man born blind, Jesus said, “…I came so that the blind would see and so that those who see will become blind.” (John 9:39 NCV)

The bottom line is, some people look for reasons to believe, others look for reasons not to believe. The question then is, “which best describes you?”

It seemed our adjustment back to the “swing of things” proved more challenging than anticipated. After somewhat of a restless night, I got up early for a breakfast meeting at CCU with the Centennial Institute Fellows. It was good to be with this group and to hear from Jeff Hunt who will take over for John Andrews in January as the Director the Centennial Institute.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “People who believe in God’s Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God’s one and only Son. They are judged by this fact: The Light has come into the world, but they did not want light….” John 3:18,19 NCV

John chapter 3 contains some well known words of Jesus. It can easy to forget that they are all related to Jesus’ response to Nicodemus, a Pharisee…a respected ruler among the Pharisees who came to Jesus and recognized that God “was with Him.” 

Jesus’ response seems abrupt as He makes the statement, “unless you are born again, you cannot be in God’s kingdom.” (John 3:3 NCV) Recognizing who Jesus is through what He does, is not enough to gain eternal life; believing in Him as God’s only Son and His Words is what makes the difference.  As we move through Jesus discourse we observe that spiritual life comes from God’s Spirit. It is not a product of human intellect of understanding.

Jesus told Nicodemus, “…you will not believe me if I tell you about things of heaven.” (John 3:12 NCV) Paul would write, “The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)

Spiritual life is not through human intellect and it is not through human goodness. “For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh.” (Romans 8:3 NIV)

Spiritual life comes from God’s Spirit. That was Jesus’ simply explanation to Nicodemus about what it means to be “born again.” Just as the wind is mysterious and it can not be controlled and it comes and it goes at will, so God’s Spirit comes to bring life to people at times they don’t expect and in ways they don’t anticipate. But it all takes place when an individual places their faith in Jesus Christ as God’s Son and their Savior.

When we look to Jesus, we see God’s judgment on sin, just as the serpent in the wilderness reminded God’s people of God’s judgment on their sin. Our sin has been judged by God, but placed on Christ. That is why the prophet declared, “…LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 NIV)

That which is important in scripture is repeated. Consider these verses, “…everyone who believes can have eternal life in him.” (John 3:15 NCV) “…whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 NCV) “Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God’s one and only Son.” (John 3:18 NCV) “Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life.” (John 3:36 NCV)

We see that God has done everything possible for people to believe. “God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16,17 NCV)

Failure to believe, to come to the the light of Christ’s love and truth is to place the guilty verdict on your own life. We are familiar with the idea of being “judged guilty” by others. In our modern day “jurisprudence” that is a jury of our peers. But in the context of John 3 when a person is on trial and judged guilty, when they look into the jury box the faces of those on the jury pronouncing the verdict, all have the face of the guilty person. By their own actions and attitudes they have condemned themselves. Jesus said, “they have already been guilty, because they did not believe…they did not want light. They wanted darkness…” (John 3:18-20)

I am reminded of the old saying, “I would rather be safe than sorry.” When it comes to our spiritual life and response, “we have to be sorry, to be safe” or saved.

We arrived home from Atlanta this evening after a full day of travel. We were able to get Caedmon connected with his parents just in time to connect with our shuttle service back to Fort Collins.  I think his siblings missed him the last five days he was gone. We ended our stay before the cousins began treating each other too much like siblings and still loving each other.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Now I have something to say to the elders in your group. I also am an elder. I have seen Christ’s sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be shown to us. I beg you to shepherd God’s flock, for whom you are responsible.”                1 Peter 5:1,2 NCV

As Peter comes to the close of his first letter, he addresses elders who serve and are among the people. There are passages of scripture where we find qualifications for spiritual leaders and descriptions of spiritual gifts. But perhaps there is no other greater summary of the value, priorities and motivations required for spiritual leaders than what is found in these first four verses of 1 Peter 5.

My attention is drawn to some of the following observations.

1 – Peter approaches elders in humility. From the very beginning Peter shows his identification with other spiritual leaders. He does not refer to himself as an apostle, which he was. He does not refer to himself as being “chosen” for a special role, which he was. He simple says, “I also am an elder.”

He talks about his history, but also anticipates his own future in God’s will. He saw firsthand Christ’s suffering, and he knew the sufferings that he would face. The next thing I observe is the use of the word, “beg” in admonishing elders to their primary task. He doesn’t say “command” – which he could have, but instead pleads and implores these fellow elders in their role. By his approach Peter is letting elders know that humility must characterize their life.

2 – The call to Shepherd God’s flock. The only job description Peter gives elders is to “shepherd God’s flock.” That’s it – and then he reminds them this is their responsibility – and with responsibility comes accountability, because it is “God’s” flock.

When we think of the familiar Biblical role of a shepherd, all kinds of verses and images come to mind. This includes Psalm 23 as well as Jesus words in John 10. But what is interesting is the model for the shepherd of God’s flock comes from the Lord Himself. We see protection, care, concern and self-sacrifice all pictured in God’s “shepherding” role.

3 – The motivation for leaders. Next we see two statements that speak to the positive motivation of the shepherd set in contrast to a negative one. “Watch over them because you want to…Do it because you are happy to serve…”       (1 Peter 5:2 NCV) Spiritual leadership is first and foremost a “calling” not a vocational choice. If that is not at the basis of your motivation, the tenure will be short and the damage will be great.

I recall the advice of Debbie’s parents when I told them I was going to enter full-time ministry. They said, “if you can do anything else, do it!” That advice was not to discourage as much as it was related to the second motivation Peter addresses, “because you are happy to serve.” It could also be viewed as  “only do it because you will be miserable if you don’t.” There is joy and fulfillment in serving the Lord and being in His will.

These two positive motivations are set in contrast to two negative ones, “because you are forced to…because you want money.” No one should feel “pressure” to be in spiritual leadership by virtue of family history or the expectations of others. Also, a smile comes on anyone’s face, who is in ministry, when it comes to viewing ministry as a way to “make money.” When someone begins to view their efforts through thoughts of “how much more” they could be making doing something else; or how much they “gave up” – it is a recipe for ineffectiveness and resentment.

4 – Elders are to lead by example. Character and the approach to spiritual leadership counts. “Do not be like a ruler over people you are responsible for, but be good examples to them.”  (1 Peter 5:3 NCV) The call to spiritual leadership is not “tell” and much as it is to “show.” There is the adage that says, “I would rather see a sermon, than hear one.” We certainly see the Biblical mandate for preaching and teaching of God’s Word, but it must be backed by an individual who journey’s with people who are following Christ. Paul put it well when he said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.“ (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV)

5 – Eternity holds the reward. “…when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, comes, you will get a glorious crown that will never lose its beauty.“ (1 Peter 5:4 NCV) A shepherd works to please the “Chief Shepherd.” Elders are to serve and shepherd God’s flock anticipating the commendation, “well done good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of  your Lord.”  (Matthew 25:23 NKJV)

It is interesting that Peter writes this in lieu of his comments on one occasion to Jesus, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?” (Matthew 19:27 NLT) Jesus’ response included the words, “…everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.”  (Matthew 19:29 NLT) What Peter found is when you look after God’s flock, God looks after you.

The challenging work of spiritual leadership is demanding and difficult to summarize. There are so many roles and expectations placed on church leaders today. But we see that Peter establishes an important foundation on which to build for the spiritual leader who seeks to find direction and satisfaction. Paul expresses the goal for every spiritual leader when he said,  “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.“ (Romans 12:11 NIV)