Happy Friday. It’s July 26, 2024. Today’s lesson is probably more for me than anyone else, but let me pull back my personal curtain. Hebrews reminds us that the Bible is “living and active.” It’s not a static document. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 tells us that the Word “teaches, corrects, reproves, encourages, and consoles.” Which one of these applies to you today? Here’s what it says to me. Read on…
Today's Reading:
Isaiah 46,47,48,49; 1 Peter 5
Scripture
“… shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not compulsion, but voluntarily … but proving yourselves examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:2-4)
Observation
The reward of a true pastor is the unfading crown of glory, but it comes with high expectations and character requirements. The Bible tells us about several crowns that we will receive. Here are a few examples:
- The crown of righteousness in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 is given to those who, like Paul, finished well and loved His appearing.
- The crown of life in James 1:12 is for those who have persevered under trial. To those who are approved, the Lord gives this crown.
- The crown of glory is for faithful shepherds who lead from the heart—not for sordid gain, but with eagerness. It is given to those who shepherd with eagerness, not begrudgingly. It is given to leaders who are committed—not to hirelings. It is given to those who lay down their lives for the flock, and not the other way around.
Application
I must be willing to give up opportunities for advancement, more money, or more notoriety to shepherd those I pastor. And I am required to do this eagerly — not begrudgingly.
The crown of glory is not a trophy. It is a commendation. It is not a prize, but rather, it is a prized offering to the Chief Shepherd that we cast at His feet (see Rev. 4:10).
Prayer
Father, please help me to be a true shepherd to Your people. Consistent corrections must be made to my straying heart before I can do that for straying sheep. May one of the crowns I throw at Your feet be the unfading crown of glory. There would be no greater joy than to offer that to my Chief Shepherd on that glorious day.
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