Here is a modern reflection of 1 Peter 5:
And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you:
And now, a word to you who are Christian parents and employers/leaders. I, too, am a parent, leader, and a believer in Jesus Christ. And I, too, will share in His glory when He returns. He IS coming again. Praise the Lord! As a fellow parent, leader, and believer, I ask earnestly of you:
2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
Take care of the children and employees that God has given to you. Watch over them cheerfully, not grudgingly–not for what you will get out of it in a proud manner, but because you are eager to serve God.
3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
Don’t be a commander over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by setting a godly characteristic. Display compassion, love, understanding, strength in Him, empathy, forgiveness, self-control, peace, joy, patience, kindness, and faithfulness. Be an example of Christ.
4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
And when the Great Shepherd/Savior/Redeemer appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. While you are here on earth, do all that you do for His glory and honor, not your own. His greatness will last forever. Stay true to our Lord and Savior. Live right in His sight. Yes, He is always watching.
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
In the same way, you who are children and employees must accept the authority of your parents and employers. Respect the position. And all of you, no matter the age, stage, or position, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
So respectfully submit yourselves, all of you, under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. His ways are not our ways. Trust in His timing. Keep the Lord the God of your life, and put away all those tempting little gods.
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
Each of you, give all your worries and cares to God, your ups and your downs, because He cares for you. Turn your worries into prayers.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Be vigilant! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He is ferocious and cunning and is ready to steal, kill, and destroy you and your mission for God. But take hold and stand firm against him. Be strong in your faith. God is with you and will never leave you. Lean in on His strength and power. Remember that you are not alone. There are Christian parents, employers, and employees who are going through the same kind of heartaches and trials that you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory through His Son, Jesus Christ. So after you have experienced those headaches and gone through trials, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. Hallelujah!
11 All power to him forever! Amen.
All power to Him forever!!! Amen.
Peter’s Final Greetings
12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of God, who is the Creator of all. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Don’t give up. This too shall pass. We are all human and need to keep our eyes on Jesus. Stand firm in this truth.
13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
I, Stephanie, your sister in Christ, am sending greetings, prayers, and love your way. Be kind and embrace one another. Remember who you are (a Christ-follower) and Whose you are (Jesus Christ’s).
Peace be with all of you who are believers in Christ.
I want to encourage you to reread those words and live by, in, and through your faith in Jesus Christ. These words apply to all of us. Yes, grandparents too! We are ready to be Cappy and Nini! It’s a boy! May he be strong in the Lord and be surrounded by godly examples.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
