1 Peter 5:2
“shepherd the flock of God among you.”
This verse is addressing the elders. Peter’s telling them what to do. When I hear the word “elder” someone older and stately comes to mind. There’s probably gray hair with a little bit of haughtiness about them. Almost like a CEO. While there may be some truth there, Peter is giving a different charge, to shepherd the flock.
A shepherd takes care of sheep. This was a common job in this rural culture. This wasn’t a job for a “clock watcher”; someone who didn’t care about the job. King David did this as a young man. He had to fight off and often kill predatory animals. He risked his own safety for his sheep.
A shepherd cares for all the sheep. There are weaker ones that require more care. The shepherd gives more time with these. They may need assistance or just care. There are the obstinate ones that wander off. These are the frustrating ones. The shepherd can’t write them off and “let them get what they deserve”. They can be ungrateful and argumentative. The shepherd has to be patient with these, also.
This is not job of a pompous person. This is for someone that has a heart for them. This person is willing to visit the sick in the hospital. This person gives time and compassion to the addict that has fallen again. This person gives time to the socially awkward one.
The elder also meets with the healthy ones. He makes connection with the influencers. He just doesn’t stay with them.
Before all of this care is given, he is to be a good husband and father. It’s a difficult job.
Lord, thank You for the shepherds. Bless them and keep them from evil.