Thank you for persevering with me through the book of 1 Peter. I have learned so much through our time together in this study. This last chapter is rich in instruction. But, if I had to choose one word to summarize this chapter (well, really this entire book) it would be the word, peace. Peter was writing this letter to believers who were going through tough times. His purpose was a to provide them with encouragement and instruction, and at the heart of his message was peace. Whether in suffering, submission, serving, or shepherding, Peter desired for believers to go through this life journey with a sense of peace. But not just any kind of peace … peace from God to those who are in Christ. After all, Jesus Christ is the author of peace, the “Prince of Peace,” and His desire was for His children to be at peace with Him and live in peace while on earth. Let’s look together at this final chapter to discover once more what is Precious in His Sight.
Search the Scriptures by reading 1 Peter 5:1-14.
Now let’s do some discovering …
Peter begins by exhorting the elders to “shepherd the flock of God.” He was telling them to provide proper spiritual leadership to those in their charge. Leadership is important, and Godly leadership is difficult to find. But … when it’s available, peace reigns among its inhabitants. Just imagine for a moment life without leaders. What would we do? What would the world be like? Would all things be chaos? Probably! There would be no peace if there were no leaders (specifically Godly leaders).
Next Peter addresses another category of people, those who are “younger.” He tells them to submit to the elders who are over them. Then in verse 5 he uses the phrase “all of you.” “All of you” (not some of you, all of you) clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. In other words, do not be prideful with each other. Don’t attempt to get ahead, one up, or show off. Be humble. Why? Because this is “Precious in His Sight.” “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Verse 7 is of particular comfort to me. It says, “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” If my anxious thoughts are cast upon God, then I am filled with peace. He has my anxieties, and He deals with them.
The devil, according to verse 8, is prowling around waiting to devour anyone who isn’t watchful. We are so incredibly vulnerable when we are anxious and worried. When our minds are constantly focused on our problems, there is no room for God to come in and overtake our thoughts and patterns unless we heed the commands of verse 9 which says, “Resist him, firm in your faith …”
Verse 9 also takes us back to suffering. The believers in this era were suffering, and today we suffer. The only way to find peace is to find God and live in His presence of peace daily.Verse 10 says that God, Himself, will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” after you have suffered. This is truth! Our great God who is infinite in grace and mercy, will restore us in Him and that, my sisters, should give us great peace.
Remember this in the midst of the difficulties of life. Just as Christ restored Himself after His crucifixion, so He will restore us as well. That is hope. That brings peace. That shows God’s grace at work in the life of a believer.
Today I went to the funeral of a family member. It was a sad occasion, of course, a life of one who was in his prime gone. But as I listened to the words of Peter being read, it was yet another reminder to me that even though there was much sadness and grief in the midst of those present, there was much hope and much peace because of Jesus’ presence.
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. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Peter 5:10-11
I don’t know what tomorrow holds for you or for me, but I do know that no matter what we face, if we look to Jesus, we will find hope, joy, love, and peace during our earthly journey.
Apply Truth to Your Life …
- Who has God given you to shepherd?
- What are your clothed in? Humility? Pride? Selfishness?
- What are you anxious about today? Will you look to Jesus and cast your cares upon Him?
- Are you staying alert in your daily life? Are you putting on the full armor of God so that you can withstand the devil’s schemes?
- Where in your life do you need the peace of God? Will you ask Him to help you obtain it?
Pray
Precious Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You for the hope I have in Him. Thank You for the peace that accompanies His presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Jacqueline Heider is the Director of Women’s Ministry, Prayer & Resource Specialist at Warren Baptist Church