As an elder myself, I have many questions as I read this passage.
First of all, what does it mean to “care for the flock”? Should the elder visit all of them…I’m not very good at visiting. Does it mean that I spend enough time talking with people that I know all their problems, and what they should do to fix them? I haven’t had much success in that department either. I tend to offer advice when maybe I should just be listening.
In my mind, caring for the flock is a broad term that includes many different styles and types of ministry. I envision some elders who care for the flock by speaking hard truths in love, and others who are better at gentle persuasion. I guess that some elders aren’t pastors, but rather are senior veterans of many spiritual battles who help guide the church with wise counsel. In fact, maybe there are elders who help take care of the flock by assisting young pastors to grow and develop into godly men. That certainly has been true in my case.
Speaking of young men, it’s hard to accept advice from someone that you suspect is past their prime. Often the older person doesn’t dress or talk like you, and they may have particular habits that are left over from a different time that you find off putting. Regardless, they have knowledge of basic life principles that the younger generation needs. They know things about spiritual life and spiritual warfare that should be passed on. Only the humble may receive their instruction.
I read Matthew Henry’s commentary from time to time. Thankfully they have cleaned up the English a little, but it still has a Victorian feel to it, making it harder for me to follow. I know that I need to slow down, read and re-read so that I understand. This elder of the church had much wisdom to share, (along with others) but I find that I have to be patient….which comes from humility.
I wonder, can you be patient if you aren’t humble? Impatience implies that my time is more important than yours…which would never be true in a humble person. Maybe instead of praying for patience, we should pray for humility.
Peter closes out this letter with a call to vigilance. The wise and humble servant will be step carefully, and be on his guard against the devil. The proud and arrogant will assume they have enough power and ability to defeat satan if he shows up. Learning to be humble about our own abilities seems like a wise idea also.
We don’t need to fear the devil, but we should be aware of his schemes, and prepare accordingly.
pondering,
PR