DAILY READING
REFLECTION
The God of Peace
by Diane Ward
The author of Hebrews urges us to have confidence in our leaders and to submit to their authority as they keep watch over us as those who must give account. (Hebrews 13:17) To submit is to yield. We must have complete confidence and trust to submit to another---Tough!
I had recently been to Scotland and loved seeing sheep and lambs resting contently. I thought about their trust in the shepherd. They could rest safely as they lacked nothing! A few years later I read Phillip Keller’s book, A Shepherd’s Looks at Psalm 23. He shared insights into the life and character of sheep-and of the Good Shepherd who loves and cares for them. Psalm 23 is ageless enriching our trust and love for the Lord who watches closely over us. Our shepherd is the Lord, and we lack nothing. We can feast at the table of His blessing along with disease, death, and loss because we have a living Shepherd!
Have you asked your pastors how you could pray for them? Most of us know little of the burden they carry each week as they fulfill their role. To balance their lives amid challenges and oversight for a large congregation is no small thing! I was surprised one Sunday morning to see two of them stepping up to play guitars with worship leaders. How beautiful is the congregation that appreciates and commits to pray for their pastors who have many roles to fill.
PRAYER
Benediction and Final Greetings:
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever!” (Hebrews 13:20-21)
This is beautiful Diane. But it also makes me stop and think real hard. Verse 17 is one I stumble over. Well done my friend.