December 6, 2025 - 1 Peter 5

Peter gives closing counsel to pastors:  “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock (5:1-3).  To all, be humble, caste all anxieties upon God, be watchful, resist Satan.  We can live in this manner because, as Peter writes, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (5:10).  In the midst of all the trials and tribulations of this world, with what hope we live!

Lo! the hosts of evil round us

scorn Thy Christ, assail His ways!

Fears and doubts too long have bound us,

free our hearts to faith and praise.

Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,

for the living of these days,

for the living of these days.

--Harry Emerson Fosdick (1930)  *Not the most faithful of pastors but his words, here, are true and good.