1 Peter 5:5 – Submissive – 10.28.11

“Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older.  Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”

This passage has a deeper meaning to me now that I’m a parent.  We do our very best to make sure Levi and Wren are submissive to us as their parents.  Not because we are power hungry (at least not all the time), but because submitting to us is for their good.  There are a couple of reasons for that. 

One, we know better than they do and we make much better decisions than they are capable of making.  Sorry buddy, you can’t eat gold fish, watch the Backyardigans, and hit your sister with a stick all day. 

Two, the bible says that children should honor their father and mother – it’s right there in the 10 Commandments.  We want our children to obey God’s word, and one of their first opportunities is to honor us. 

And third, by learning to be submissive to their parents, we hope that Levi and Wren will learn to be submissive to God.  If you can’t submit to your parents, how will you submit to God?  That is our reasoning at least…

Peter instructs the young men to submit to their elders for much the same reasons.  Young men are not typically known for their humility, so Peter tells them, “Hey, submit to your elders!”  Elders typically know better, have more wisdom, and perspective than young men (or women), so the youngsters should submit to them as a demonstration of humility and obedience.  Which is the posture we should assume when dealing with God.

A brief aside: The Greek word Peter used for humility is very interesting; it is only used in the Bible this one time.  The root verb of this word means “a slave’s apron”, which describes the garment slaves would wrap around themselves to serve.  By using this word, perhaps Peter is alluding to Jesus’ act of servant hood when he wrapped a towel around Himself and washed the disciples’ feet.  As our master clothed himself in humility, we should do the same.

The quote in this passage, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” is from Proverbs 3:34 and is echoed all over the scripture.  If we are not humble before God – who created the heavens and earth, who knit us together in our mother’s womb, who loves us and provides every good gift for us – we claim responsibility for what God has given us…which is a lie induced by pride.  And in pride, we take God’s glory for ourselves. 

So young men and women, be submissive to your elders (and elders, be worthy of the respect shown to you).  Not because they necessarily know better than you - though they often do - but because God commands us to.  And by submitting to them, we practice submitting to God.  And when we submit to God, good things happen.  And you can probably figure out what happens when we don’t submit to God…

“Submit yourselves to God…” – James 4:7

1 Peter 5:4 – Crown of Glory

“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”

Peter uses the term “Chief Shepherd” to describe Christ, which makes us “Under Shepherds” – or “shepherds under the authority of the Chief Shepherd”.  Stop and think about that for a minute: God gives us the same job description He gave to Jesus.  We are to do what Jesus did; isn’t that amazing!  If you think that is a stretch, listen to the words of Jesus:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.  He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” – John 14:12

Jesus was a shepherd; we are to be shepherds.  So what is our role as a shepherd?  We are called to lead, feed, protect, and nurse God’s people back to health.  Shepherds care for the needs of those under their care; to do that, we must know the needs of those around us.  That takes time, effort, and putting the needs of others ahead or your needs.  Not an easy job…

Peter tells us that faithful shepherds will receive “a crown of glory that will never fade away”.  I love the idea that the work you do in God’s name will last forever… all other type of work is fleeting.  If you build homes, they will eventually collapse.  If you are a doctor, your patients will eventually die.  If you are a banker, all the money you earn will eventually become worthless.  Only work done for God and in His strength will pass from this life into eternity.  (Nothing against those careers, we need all of those professions for life here!)

But service to others in God’s name will last forever…and be rewarded forever.  I find it interesting that the reward for the humble job of serving is glory.  In God’s economy, humble service leads to eternal glorification.  That sounds much better than a five minute interview on the Today Show or an article in Time magazine.  It also sounds like, “Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” – James 4:10.

This promise is extended to all believers.  You can be about God’s business, regardless of your business.  Find ways to pray for, care for, and extends God’s love to those you work with, go to school with, and live near.  God does not limit his instructions or blessings to those in full-time, professional ministry.  We all get the privilege – and responsibility – to be engaged in Kingdom work.

One final thought: God promises to reward our faithfulness.  It’s okay to look forward to rewards.  Contemplate the perfection of heaven, think about hearing, “Well, done my good and faithful servant”, meditate on receiving a crown of glory – they are promised to those who faithfully follow Christ.  And God always keeps His promises!