PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jul
26

The Office of an Elder

Tim Savage

Scripture
2Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 1 Peter 4
Observation
Lots of great lessons in 1 Peter this morning. I’m sure many of us feel like the lessons for the elders are meant for someone else, someone older, but since I just celebrated another birthday, I may now need to listen more carefully to those directed at the elders! Care for the flock – be attentive, listen to what they say, pay attention to their circumstances and help with advice and counsel when necessary. My good friend Uncle Ed Jose, who just passed away, was so good at this. He always made time to observe, talk to and really care for others in our ministry. I can just picture him as a shepherd with a staff carefully watching over us from a rise. His keen eyes observing, listening to our joys and concerns. On the other hand, I am usually running here and there directing and heading off fires. I know that role is necessary, so I’m not slighting it, but I have to be aware that both “shepherding” roles are needed for healthy people, and effective ministries.
Application
As a leader I must continually make sure that people are cared for. If it’s not my gifting I have to bring people around who have that gifting, and even if it’s not my strength, I have to work to strengthen it. I must gracefully move in to the office of an elder over the next several years. I have to keep training the next generation in both the technical and artistic aspects of the ministry, while passing the baton on some responsibilities in order to make room for the important role of caretaker.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the life of Uncle Ed, who provided such a great example of a caring shepherd. I ask for Your wisdom, strength and courage to lead Your people well. In Jesus name, Amen

Devotions for July 26

Isaiah 46,47,48,49
1 Peter 5

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