February 14, 2010 Introduction
Jesus said, “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Do you not leave the 99 in open country and go after the lost sheep until you find it? I tell you – in the same way there will be great rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:4-7).
Jesus sent out the Twelve with the following instructions: “Go to the lost sheep of Israel… proclaim the message: the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 10:5-8). When Jesus saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things (Mark 9:34). In John 10, Jesus said, “I am the gate for the sheep; whoever enters through me will be saved” and “I am the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. I know my sheep and my sheep know me. I have other sheep also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd” (see John 10:7-18).
In this the last of six messages from “St.” Peter, we hear his reflection on sheep and shepherds along with imperatives for the early church on leadership and the Christian life. Here’s one more St. Peter joke.
Bill Gates arrives at the “pearly gates” thinking they were named after him, of course. St. Peter greets him. “Since you’ve been such a notable and famous character, my boss is offering you a choice here in eternity.” Gates smiles, “Sounds good to me.” So St. Peter shows him a peaceful park in the city. Older men are sitting around playing chess, mothers are playing with their children, some teens are playing touch football. “Very nice,” says Gates. “But how about showing me another choice.
St. Peter leads him to a scenic beach. There’s a volleyball game going on, a keg of beer, and several bikini-clad women. Gates immediately says, “I’ll take this one!” Peter says, “OK” as Gates is sucked into a fiery vortex amidst the laughs of hell’s demons. He yells up to St. Peter, “what about the beach? What about the babes?” St. Peter says, “Bill, that was just the demo.”
This world constantly offers us and tempts us with glimpses of things that we think would be ever so great to have and enjoy. That’s why the advertising business is so well funded. CBS sold 30-second commercials that aired last Sunday for up to $3 million dollars each. And will we ever learn that such a deal that sounds too good to be true is… too good to be true? The real St. Peter urges the elders (the leaders) in the church and the people to be careful and caring as we live under the care of Christ, our Chief Shepherd.
I. Motives in Christ (vs. 1-5)
“To the elders among you: Be shepherds of God’s flock under your care, not because you must, but because you are willing; not greedy, but eager to serve; not lording it over them, but being examples to the flock.”
The role of elder or overseer, or analogy of shepherd has a long history and great honor in both the Jewish and Greek culture that Peter knew. Every community had leaders who used their knowledge, wisdom and experience for the welfare and benefit of that community. The apostle Paul ordained “elders” in everywhere he preached as a church was established. In John’s vision in Revelation “twenty-four elders worshiped God, who was seated at the throne” (Revelation 19:4). The Presbyterian Church is an “elder-led” church; presbuteros is the word Peter uses here, the New Testament Greek word for “Elder.”
As there were elders in the Old Testament for the government of the people and as there were elders in the New Testament with particular gifts to share in both governing and ministry, here’s what our Presbyterian Church says about elders for today: “Elders are chosen by the people. Elders should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world. It is the duty of elders to strengthen and nurture the faith and life of the congregation; encourage the people in their worship and service to God; equip and renew them for their tasks; comfort and care for the people, especially the sick or the lonely.” To serve as an elder in Christ’s church is an honor, a privilege, and carries significant responsibility.
Peter says to the elders, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing; eager to serve.”
II. Imperatives in Christ (vs. 6-10)
Then we have four imperatives as we live under the care of Christ. These are for all members of the church as well as for the elders. “Humble yourselves; cast all your anxiety on Christ; be alert; and stand firm in your faith.”
“Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” How one does that is at the same time quite simple and quite difficult. Jesus told us how: “Love the Lord your God with your whole heart; Love your neighbor as yourself.” God first, people second, self third. Though biblically self-evident, they don’t come to us naturally. Self, others, and then maybe God is how the world system works all around us. But the Lord has an amazing power and will to bring blessing upon blessing when we enter his kingdom’s ways. That’s why it’s so important to come regularly to church, to belong to a church, to be in worship and fellowship with other Christians. We help each other keep on track.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” You may remember adventurer Steve Fossett who wanted to be first to circle the globe in a hot-air balloon. Taking off in St. Louis, he made his way across the Atlantic, then flying at 24,000 feet eastward over Africa but on direct course for Libya. And that was a problem. Libya had refused permission to fly in its air space, which meant Fossett could be shot down. Hot-air balloons cannot turn. Changing altitude is the only way to find a crosswind. So Fossett dropped about 6,000 feet, caught a southeast wind and barely skirted safely south of Libya. Then rising about 10,000 feet, he caught an easterly wind but finally had to end his journey in India after flying over 10,000 miles over six days. At the time, both were records for distance and duration.
“In a balloon,” he said, “you’re a prisoner of the wind, and you only go in the direction of the wind. In balloon life, as in real life, you can change altitude, and when you change your altitude, you change direction.” Most people think they are prisoners of circumstances. Changing altitude can make the difference. Look up to the Lord. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Humble yourselves; cast your anxieties. Then, be alert. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Lions attack sick, young, or straggling animals; they choose victims who are alone or not alert. Peter warns us to watch out for Satan, the devil, our adversary, the enemy. When problems in living come our way we can feel alone, weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers because we are so focused on our troubles. So, during these times (we all have them again and again), seek out other Christians for support.
Keep your eyes on Christ, and stand firm in your faith. As one pastor sheepishly said from the pulpit, “I’ve stopped expecting you to make leaps of faith, but it would be nice to see a hop now and then!” Again, this is why “church” can be so important in our lives. We encourage each other, teach each other, understand each other, take “hops” of faith together – even leaps from time to time.
Conclusion
These messages from “St.” Peter have helped generations of believers in the daily, practical, Christian life. Our life in Christ is an amazing, epic drama. Rather than being rejected by God, we are accepted in Christ with love, mercy, forgiveness, and new life. With an eternal perspective we know that this world is not our home. Yet while we are here, we live under the care of Christ.
Peter ends with a benediction, a blessing, a good word for the people of God. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
Pastors, elders, members and friends – let’s pray for one another as we live in the church under the care of Christ.
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