This morning I am continuing my reading of 1 Peter, and allowing the words to settle into my heart and mind, looking for that which the Holy Spirit highlights. As such, I am reflecting on the following verses - 1 Peter 2:13-25 NIV:
[13] "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, [14] or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. [15] For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. [16] Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God's slaves. [17] Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
[18] Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. [19] For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. [20] But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. [21] To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
[22] “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.”
[23] When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. [24] “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” [25] For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
Two things stood out to me as I read through these verses. First, the mindset around suffering as a follower of Christ, and secondly, the very last sentence about the Lord being the shepherd and overseer of our souls.
As I was reading through verses 18-23 I was reminded of one of the characteristics of the early Christian martyrs that was consistent, this being their peace in the face of death, their silence before their accusers. They had a very real experience of what Peter writes about here. They did not fear death and received their punishment, even as Christ received His. It is said that their peace, even serenity, their worship of God while being put to death caused many to turn to the Lord, for it was so clearly not normal. The crowds were used to people weeping and screaming and more often than not Christians met their death with dignity, peace, silence or worship. One of the most detailed records is of the martyrdom of St. Polycarp, who was burned alive. The account, which was shared in letter to the early churches, can be found at the following link - https://www.ccel.org/ccel/richardson/fathers.vii.i.iii.html
Thinking about these sufferings and deaths, one must contend with the incorrect thought that Christianity will only lead to blessing and healing, and a wonderful life. We have somehow tried to cover up the idea that for many the decision to follow Christ leads to struggles and difficulties in this life! Yet, as Peter accurately points out, Christ endured suffering for us, and in doing do provided us an example for us to follow! I think in our minds we try to paint this suffering as primarily one of loss of reputation or relationship, not real physical suffering, but this is clearly not the case.
I focus on this theme to help me recognize any vestiges of incorrect thelogy or thinking in my own heart and mind. My flesh doesn't like this thought, and personally I would prefer an easy, conflict and suffering free life that ends with a peaceful death and entrance into Heaven. However, this was not the experience of the early church, nor is it the experience of many Christian's throughout the world today! There are many places where the church is being actively persecuted, people being killed, tortured, and being imprisoned for following Christ Jesus. In spite of this suffering, the Church in these locations is growing faster than anywhere else in the world!
We do like to celebrate the peaceful and joyful birth of Christ, but in reality, He came to suffer and die for our sins, and we must not celebrate one without an awareness and gratitude of the other.
The second point I mentioned above, was the phrase "Shepherd and Overseer of your souls". The original Greek words are Poimen and Episkopos. They are defined as follows:
"poimḗn – properly, a shepherd ("pastor" in Latin); (figuratively) someone who the Lord raises up to care for the total well-being of His flock (the people of the Lord)."
"epískopos (a masculine noun, derived from 1909 /epí, "on/fitting contact," which intensifies 4649 /skopós, "look intently," like at an end-marker concluding a race) – properly, an overseer; a man called by God to literally "keep an eye on" His flock (the Church, the body of Christ), i.e. to provide personalized (first hand) care and protection (note the epi, "on").
"Though in some contexts 1985 (epískopos) has been regarded traditionally as a position of authority, in reality the focus is upon the responsibility for caring for others"
While these are helpful in thinking about those called to pastor the church, these words, in this context, are speaking of Jesus and His care and attention towards us. We sometimes hear people describe the Lord as their personal Savior, and instead of thinking about some sort of individualized expression, this is what they mean! He is looking over them personally! He is looking at them intently, guiding them, directing them and nourishing them! He is very capable of doing this for us all without any help!
Sometimes, the danger of church leadership is to think that the Lord is absent so we must take on His role and authority. We must always allow for the Lord to be the Chief Shepherd and Overseer of all in our care!
I almost feel funny writing that last bit, as that is something that should be completely unnecessary. Unfortunately I have seen and experienced pastoring that was heavy-handed, had nothing to do with what the Lord was doing in my life or the life of others, and at times completely disconnected from Jesus.
On the positive side, recently I saw a pastor friend of mine post something about his primary role was that of praying for his church. In this context, his attitude is one of going to the Chief Shepherd and Overseer to receive His insight and directions as to how to care for those in his church. He embraces this need and call to prayer as the first thing, and in doing so, represents the Lord more accurately.
Finally, in summary I am reminded that the Lord is my Shepherd and Overseer, and as such has direction, guidance, and encouragement for me! He loves me, provides for me and calls me to follow after Him. Personal suffering and difficulty does not mean He as abandoned me, rather I am experiencing in some small way what He experienced, and He is present to help me to persevere in the midst of such difficulties, as only one who has gone through something similar can do.
This morning I am grateful for His personal attention, for His coming to bring salvation to the world, which includes me, and for His amazing love, gentleness, compassion and mercy! He is worthy of celebrating!
Amen and Amen!
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