“2 be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve;”NIV

Wrapped up in these two words ‘’God’s flock’’ you have both the awe-ful responsibility and immense privilege of eldership. As we spend some days looking at these words about elders in 1 Peter, whatever else you may feel moved to do, please spend time lifting the elders of your church to God in prayer. Although they carry a burden, ask God that they will feel the delight of service; that they will be enthusiastic in their giving and caring. May they not be like people trudging heavily through a wet, muddy field in their wellies, but may they have a lightness in their step. Let it not be a case of begrudging duty.

‘’God’s flock’’

 I ‘just happened’ to read these words from Zechariah 10 this morning:

‘’The idols speak deceit, dividers see visions that lie; they tell dreams that are false, they give comfort in vain. Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD Almighty will care for his flock, the house of Judah…’’ (2-3)

‘’his flock’’

 Don’t mess with ‘’his flock.’’

 In Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders, he said these wonderful words:

‘’Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood’’ (Acts 20:28).

So, pray for all in leadership in the church, that they may give and not count the cost, fight and not heed the wound, labour and not ask for any reward save that of knowing that they do God’s will.