Read 1 Peter 5:1-12
Context: These are Peter's closing thoughts to the Christians scattered around the world.
Text:
1To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; 3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
"God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."[a] 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12With the help of Silas,[b] whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it. 13She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ. (NIV)
Footnotes:
1 Peter 5:5 Prov. 3:34
1 Peter 5:12 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
taken from www.biblegateway.com
I woke up this morning with the classic hymn "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" playing in my head and I can't seem to shake it. The sad part is that I only remember six or seven lines, so it's almost like a mantra. I can't begin to tell you the last time I sang this song -- it could have been when I was in high school. I'm not sure if it is intended to prepare me for something, to remind me to pray, or to pass along to you, so I'll plan for all three!
In today's passage, Peter tells us to cast our anxiety on Christ because he cares for us. Actually he is more specific..."because He cares for you." Isn't that cool? As you prepare for your day, Jesus is watching over you. He cares about how you are feeling and what your day will bring. I found the words to the song at a site called Jazz Worship. If you go to this site you can listen to a rendition of the song.
I'll let them finish our devotion for the day:
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear -
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged:
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful,
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness -
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Saviour still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield you,
you will find a solace there.
No comments:
Post a Comment