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!