“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, so that He may lift you up at the appropriate time.” 1 Peter 5:6, TLV
Context is so important, as we have learned. Peter’s epistle demonstrates that he has truly humbled himself over the years. From a brash fisherman striving to be Yeshua’s second in command, to a leader who leads with humility. The beauty of today’s verse lies in Peter’s lovely imagery of the sheep and shepherd, and the Chief Shepherd.
Therefore I appeal to the elders among you—as a fellow elder and witness of Messiah’s sufferings, and a partaker also of the glory about to be revealed—shepherd God’s flock among you. Watch over it not under compulsion but willingly before God, not for dishonest gain but eagerly. Don’t lord it over those apportioned to you, but become examples to the flock. When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. Likewise, you younger ones, submit yourselves to the elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
PETER, 1 PETER 5:1-5, TLV
Did you know there are two styles of herding a flock? One is to lead, the other to herd. The shepherd is the one who leads from the front, because they have the trust of the sheep, especially the lead sheep. The sheepherder drives the sheep forward and watches from behind to ensure the sheep stay in line.
In Peter’s epistle, he seems to favor the shepherd example. That the shepherd leads by example, so the sheep trust them. For those in leadership today — whether congregations, ministries, or families — we too follow the Great Shepherd. We learn from Him how to “watch over” those God has entrusted to us while on earth.
Now we come to today’s verse. It is with this understanding of leading by example as opposed to hoarding over the “flock,” or driving the sheep. The leader abides in humility.
Our Chief Shepherd was the epitome of humbleness. Imagine, the Captain of the Heavenly Hosts, the King of the Universe’s Prince, humbling Himself to be born. To have His nappies changed. Be dependent upon other’s for His food. Having to learn how to walk. Allowing soldiers to beat Him and nail Him to a cross.
He is our perfect example. And when we follow His lead, one day we will walk side-by-side with Him to worship His Father.
