1 Peter 5. I think Peter would have been good with social media and tweeting. He has some great one-liners and imagery in this chapter!

Speaking to the leaders of various churches, he calls them to be a good sous-shepherds. That’s like being a sous-chef, who follows the instructions of the master chef and does not starting just making things up in a kitchen that is not his. Peter writes, shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory (5:2-4).

Peter calls church leaders and everyone else to operate from a place of gratitude and humility. The call is to humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and let God decide if you should be exalted or not. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you (5:5-6).

Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (5:7). Now that’s just always a good reminder for all of us.

Then there is the reminder that the Devil is a prowling lion, rather noisy and a bit of a threat, so you should pay attention. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world (5:8-9).

It is interesting to note that the warning to resist the Devil is tied to how you feel about your own suffering. Did you notice that? In suffering we tend to isolate ourselves and feel abandoned, that would be what the Devil wants us to believe. Therefore, the command to resist and stand firm in your faith is followed by a reminder that other believers are experiencing that same types of suffering around the world.

And finally, Peter concludes this letter with the hopeful reminder that suffering does not last forever. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you (5:10).

This is my prayer for all who are suffering – that it would not last too long and that the Lord would quickly restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish all who are struggling.