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"Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And
when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not
away" (5: 3, 4).
How Christ from glory must have loved Peter who had learnt so well the lesson of his
Lord washing his feet (John 13: 1-17). The picture used by our Lord of the eastern
shepherd leading his flock by the knowledge of his voice rather than the brandishing of
his crook was so apposite for the gospel teacher.
"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder, Yea, all of you be subject
one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth
grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that
He may exalt you in due time" (5: 5, 6).
Humility is a hard lesson to learn and to hold. It is bad enough in commercial life
when we have to deal with a "know all" who is not so clever. But when it comes to
knowledge of the Word, we have always to remember that we should know nothing if it
was not for the gracious mercy of the Lord. The same applies if we think we are morally
or spiritually better than another. We know not the heart or handicaps of any man neither
the specific role, however high or low to which God has called him. We have been
plucked from death and given the opportunity of a most glorious hope. Failure to
rehearse these facts will often cloud our judgments in the service of God.
"Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you" (5: 7).
This is a most precious recipe for the troubled mind. John wrote the words of the
Lord Jesus:
"If a man love Me, he will keep My words: and My Father will love him, and We will
come unto him, and make Our abode with him" (John 15: 23).
No.10.
5: 8 - 14.
pp. 178, 179
Peter now gives a last warning to be watchful for the attacks of Satan and to hold fast
to their faith for it was their faith and teaching that Satan would assail by contrary
deceptive counterfeits. Men, the dupes of Satan were already operating, preaching
heresies and showing false signs.
"Be sober (watchful), be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist, steadfast in the faith,
knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished (experienced by) in your brethren that
are in the world" (5: 8, 9).
Paul had also to give the same warning to the Corinthians: