Wisdom for Shepherds of Suffering Sheep

Pastor-to-pastor insights can be a Godsend, especially when they come from a wizened, proven under-shepherd who has endured tumultuous times. They have been in the fields, tending the lambs, feeding the flock, fighting the foe, warning of dangers and bringing words of correction and comfort to the sheep. 

Great news: distinguished Pastor C. S. Rock has a word for us. He is better known as Cephas Simon Peter—none other than Mr. Feeding His Sheep, Tending His Lambs! He understood pastoring in crises. At the time of writing 1 Peter, persecution had scattered his sheepfold, making them potential prey for a crouching lion. Facing religious, political, economic and cultural adversity, they needed a word from the Chief Shepherd, delivered via a godly under-shepherd.   

In 1 Peter 5:1-5, Pastor Peter addresses both other shepherds and the young bucks— who like a good fight more than they should. He then continues the letter’s spiritual survival strategies for God’s beleaguered sheep:   

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 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 5:6-11 ESV) 

Disciples of Jesus learn quickly that we live in hostile spiritual territory. Attacks from our unseen enemy are more dangerous than political or cultural threats; He is often behind them (Eph. 6:10-20). While our adversary is not omnipresent or omnipotent, he and his cohorts are busy––and effective. They love sneak attacks, to undermine our faith with fear and inject compromise into our commitment. 

Though we are tempted to start by fighting back, Peter instead instructs us to stand down under God. We are to “humbly submit to God, trusting His wise timing and care 

“ (vs. 6, 7). Pride produces pugilists. Peter says, don’t “bow your back,” bend your knee. Go low under the true Guardian of the galaxy. 

Sheep turned exiles have cause for anxiety. Forced out of homes and homeland, there was much to worry them (1 Pet 1:1-3). Suffering incites anxiety. The remedy is to keep placing our burdens in His hands and committing ourselves to His care (cf. Phil 4:4-9). God knows and will vindicate His own and make things right (Ps 37; Ps 73; 1 Pet 4; Rom 8:28-31).  

Being distracted by disaster makes one easy to conquer. We need to stay on guard, aware that the enemy wants us for lunch (vs. 8). We should not be surprised when we face fierce trials (1 Pet 4:12), suffering is promised (John 16:33). Forewarned is forearmed. Pastor Peter exhorts persecuted saints to stay alert. 

Shepherds need to remember and teach their flock that cute sheep receive no pity (Matt. 26:36-41; Col. 4:2). Our soul's enemy exploits weaknesses and biblical ignorance, so be aware of his schemes (2 Cor. 2:10, 11). Don’t believe his lies or rehearse his script (John 8:44; 1 Jn. 4:1-6). Our accuser and his legion are aggressive, and his trash talk stings and scares (Zech. 3; Mark 5; Jude). Though he is not toothless, he is leashed (Job 1-2; James 4:6-10). 

Do fight back with faith, standing strong (vs. 9; Eph. 6:10-20). God’s gospel girds and grounds us (1 Tim. 6:11-16). Our belt of truth triumphs over trash talk. Remember Jesus and His three “it is writtens” as He fought off the devil (Matt. 4)? Beware seeking or running from spiritual battles. (Jude 9; James 4:6-10). Don’t be lulled by lies. Instead, keep the faith! (John 8:28-31; 1 John 4:1-6). And we are not alone in suffering (2 Cor. 1). Many have it far worse (Heb. 13:3). 

Be confident in God! He will restore and protect us (vs. 10; cf. Heb. 13:20, 21). Any suffering is temporal and tempered (Rom. 8:18-39; 2 Corin. 4:17-18; Col. 2:4-8). God is gracious and you’re His – called! (1 Thess. 5:23, 24). He will make us solid and stable (2 Cor. 1:3-11 & 5:1-10) 

And finally, rejoice! God rules everywhere and always! (vs 11; Matt. 28:18; Phil. 4:1-4; Revelation). He is King of kings, Lord of lords, now, always.  

Pastors, let us pray: Lord, as we seek to shepherd others, help us to stay spiritually ready and strong in persecution and suffering. Remind us to live humbly and confidently under Your mighty hand. Always being confident that our caring Shepherd is watching over His fold. Help us to be true to the gospel, our faith and remember others are also suffering. We trust You to restore and establish us, to Your glory, in Your time. We are thankful for our “greater than” Savior. You are and always will be Lord. Amen.