Observation

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away” 1 Peter 5:4

“When the Chief Shepherd appears”—when I look at that statement I think of the beginning scene of the movie, “Ever After”. The master is returning, and the call goes out, “Look lively; the master is returning.” The men are running to get in line, brushing off their garments. You can feel their joy in their master’s return, and you can sense their desire to have their master to be proud of their work because of their love for him and their desire for excellence on his behalf. I have that same joy and desire to have my Chief Shepherd see that I have been faithful and for Him to say I have done well.

When I think of great spiritual leaders of the Bible like Paul, Daniel, Moses and Abraham, I have a sense of awe for what God did through them. I mostly think of David, though. Throughout his Psalms he spoke of his deep love for God and his total confidence in Him—that if God did not guide, protect and defend him, then he would not make it.

As a parent and thinking of some of the things God is calling me to, I also feel that deep reliance on God—that I need Him desperately for guidance, for wisdom, for protection and to place people around me to walk with me. Also like David, I need God to give me the courage and boldness to be all that God has called me to (see Ephesians 2:10 ).

This verse also reminds me of Eric Liddle from “Chariots of Fire” fame. I often think of his stated reason for running, that he felt God’s pleasure when he ran.

Interpretation

This verse serves as a reminder that the sheep are Jesus’ and we are the caretakers. He will hold us accountable for what we have done with His sheep. As shepherds, we work for the Chief Shepherd, not the sheep. (I’m gulping already.)

The promised crown of glory is reminiscent of the crown of leaves given to the athlete who wins the Olympics, but their crown fades and withers and serves as a poor reminder of a “once upon a time” event or goal they accomplished. The crown of life goes to the faithful, and will be placed at the Chief Shepherd’s feet for His honor and glory.

After all, we are only doing what the Chief Shepherd has called us to do.

Application

When I think of what He’s called me to as a parent, in my job or where He has placed me in church, I can feel my anxiety raise due to the enormity of the task at hand. I go to the Psalms or Ephesians and pray some of the same prayers that David and Paul prayed for help. James 1 is also a good place to start asking for wisdom in finishing the work placed before me. Join me in reminding ourselves that we want the Chief Shepherd to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant” over us. When we have finished all He purposed for us to do, may our excellence give Him the honor and glory He is due.

Some questions to you are: what do you need to do to continue being faithful? Do you have people in your life that will hold you accountable? Leaders (moms, dads, bosses, small group leaders, etc.), what do you need to do to remember that those you are leading belong to Jesus?

Are you still lifting up your leaders in prayer? Satan attacks them stronger and harder because as the shepherd goes, so go the sheep. Please pray today for the church’s elders, deacons and deaconesses. They are charged with the responsibility of the church’s healthy spiritual life and resources. Your prayers are vital.

Look lively, people, the Master is returning!