Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Priest: Ambassadors of Christ

1 Peter 5:1-11 

 Peter, the Lords Good Shepherd, addresses himself in this chapter in 3 ways

i.  Fellow elder
ii. as a witness of the sufferings of Christ
iii. as a Partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed

 Peter, who tasted the Lord Jesus in his life experiences, teaches us how to become good ambassadors of the Lord.

1. Shepherd the flock of God.

 God has entrusted us with the flock among us. Their protection is our duty. A sheep can suffer loss when the Shepherd is away from the responsibility of taking care of the Sheep. Beginning with the question "Am I my brothers keeper"?, throughout scripture we are reminded of our duty to be keepers. We have a responsibility to keep the flock in our midst from being lost. The risen Lord gave Peter the responsibility to "Feed my Sheep".

2. Be an example to the flock.

 It consist many do's and don'ts. Chapter 5 versus 2 and 3,  Peter says " not under compulsion but willingly, not for shameful gain but eagerly, not dominating but being examples". The Lord Jesus showed the example of washing and wiping their feet before the disciples who were fighting for the blessing to sit on the left and the right. It is that example that prompts Peter to say "be an example to the flock". We should be able to be role models in our profession, studies, home and in our society. Such are the ones who will be able to receive the unfading Crown when the Great Shepherd appears.

3. The humble Shepherds.

 Verse 5 says that the first step to experiencing God's grace is humility. Mary becomes worthy of God's grace when she says " Behold, I am the servant of the Lord". Peter is asking us to be humbled under God's mighty hand.

4. Be firm in our faith

 We need steadfastness of Faith to stand against the power of Darkness. Faith stability prepares us for eternal Glory in Christ. It keeps the wiles of the devil away from us.

Prayer
 Lord, the Great Shepherd, equip us to Shepherd your flock and be examples to them. Cause us to be humble, steadfast in faith and be your good ambassadors. Amen

 
Rev. Sibu Abraham Mathew,
Vicar, Karthikappally MTC. 

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