LIVING HOPE - Reading With the People of God: Part 18ಮಾದರಿ

The Humble Get Salvation And Are Exalted

As we near the finish line in our readings in Isaiah, it seems chapters 65-66 present the Lord’s response to the lament and issues raised in 63:7-64:12. God will judge those who ignore Him and worship in pagan gardens (65:1-7 ESV). God has not hidden His face but has revealed Himself to those who truly seek Him (65:1 ESV). As we read today, may we seek the Lord with a hunger and thirst for the God of truth (65:16 ESV).

In 1 Peter 5 we see the aged fisherman and long-time follower of Jesus give sage advice to the church flock. He exhorts elders as an elder himself! He knows what he is talking about. He has experienced that life! All shepherds in the church serve under the Chief Shepherd! The pastoral Epistles show that elders functioned in Ephesus (1 Timothy 5:17) and were to be appointed in Crete (Titus 1:5). Every piece of evidence we have shows that elders were widespread in the early church. It is also likely that elders functioned as a plurality in the churches since the term is always plural, and Acts 14:23 ESV says elders were appointed “for them in every church.”

The younger men or elders are to submit to the older ones. This humility is really the only way a group of men can function as leaders in God’s church. Since “God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5 ESV), believers should humble themselves.

Martin Luther once said, “we shepherd God’s flock by preaching the gospel” (Luther, Commentary on Peter and Jude). Isn’t it a comfort that the elders at Cornerstone talk so frequently about the gospel? And live it? We are blessed to be in a rare congregation!

“To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:11 ESV)

Primer contributed by Brian Mott, ministering elder.