April 23, 2018
1 Peter 5:1-5 New Living Translation (NLT)
What makes a good or great leader for the work of God? Is it education alone? Is it experience alone? Scripture teaches the making of a good leader has everything to do with character and spiritual formation. A leader who is listening to and following the Spirit will care for God”s flock and be eager to wholeheartedly serve each member. He or she will be motivated by what can be imparted to others that feed them, rather than by what can be gained personally. And, here is something very important to keep in mind; a good leader humbly leads by example. During his earthly ministry, Jesus followed the Spirit, loved and served the Father’s flock, and led as a humble example. Would Christ’s true shepherd’s today be any different?
Before Christ ascended, he told Peter, “If you love me, feed my sheep.” In our passage today, we can tell Peter was doing the very thing the Good Shepherd had asked of him. Scripture teaches one day Christ will come out into the open with his rule. At his second coming, Christ will take his rightful place as the Great Shepherd. Every Christ follower will bring something valuable to the Kingdom; we will then find ourselves governed and positioned under his reign for eternity. Will you be ready for what he has called you to be and do?