Daily Worship

Wisdom

Liz Crumlish February 26, 2015 0 0

1 Peter 5:1-7

Tending the Flock of God

​Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it—not for sordid gain but eagerly. Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away.

In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for

“God opposes the proud,
but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.

Lord, you ask us to accept the authority of elders
And, with gritted teeth, we obey your instruction.
With gritted teeth because often we fail to see the wisdom of those in authority.
With gritted teeth because often we think we know better.
Lord, in doing your bidding,
In accepting the authority of elders
May we be pleasantly surprised
by their learning
and by their wisdom
until we can unclench our jaws
and relax into obeying you
because you always know what is best
and you share your wisdom
with the least likely suspects.
So, in obedience, may we encounter in others
wisdom and patience,
love and acceptance
and may we discover a new respect
for those you have given authority over us.