Devotional: Friday, June 19 — 1 Peter 5:1–7 (ESV)
Theme: The Chief Shepherd Still Leads the Church
"And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."
— 1 Peter 5:4
As we conclude our first week at The Daily Table, Peter brings us back to the truth that has been woven throughout every passage we've read: God's people are not left to shepherd themselves.
Peter writes these words as both an apostle and a pastor. He knows what it means to follow Jesus imperfectly. He knows what it means to fail, to be restored, and to be entrusted with the care of God's people. In fact, Peter likely has in mind Jesus' words after the resurrection: "Feed my sheep" (John 21:17).
Yet even as Peter addresses church leaders, he makes something abundantly clear: there is only one Chief Shepherd.
Every pastor serves under Him.
Every elder serves under Him.
Every ministry serves under Him.
The Church belongs to Him.
That truth is both humbling and comforting.
Throughout history, God's people have walked through seasons of transition, uncertainty, and change. Leaders come and go. Congregations face challenges. Plans unfold differently than expected.
But Christ remains.
The Chief Shepherd has never abandoned His flock.
The same Shepherd we encountered in Psalm 23 is still guiding His people.
The same Shepherd who sought the scattered sheep in Ezekiel is still gathering His people.
The same Shepherd who carried lambs close to His heart in Isaiah is still caring for His people.
The same Good Shepherd who laid down His life in John 10 is still leading His Church today.
Peter's encouragement culminates in one of the most beloved promises in Scripture:
"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." (1 Peter 5:7)
Notice the reason Peter gives.
Not because God is powerful.
Not because God is wise.
Though both are true.
Peter says we can cast our anxieties on Christ because He cares for us.
The God who shepherds the Church also shepherds individual hearts.
He cares about the burdens we carry.
He cares about the questions we wrestle with.
He cares about the fears we rarely speak aloud.
As we finish this first week together, perhaps the greatest invitation is not to carry more, strive harder, or figure everything out.
Perhaps the invitation is simply to trust the Shepherd.
To place our worries in His hands.
To follow His voice.
And to remember that the future of the Church—and the future of our lives—rests securely in the care of Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Chief Shepherd of His Church?
- What anxiety or burden are you carrying that needs to be entrusted to Christ?
- How have you experienced God's faithfulness during seasons of uncertainty in the past?
Prayer
Chief Shepherd, thank you for your faithful care of your Church and your people. Thank you for guiding us through every season and reminding us that we do not walk alone. Help us cast our anxieties upon you, trust your leadership, and follow your voice with confidence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Sources
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway. (Original work published 2001).
Jobes, K. H. (2005). 1 Peter. Baker Academic.
Reformed Church in America. (n.d.). Beliefs. Retrieved from https://www.rca.org/about/beliefs/
