Peter wrote to Christians scattered abroad urging them to live godly lives despite the persecution they were enduring. They were to be aided in this through the work of men selected to serve in the various churches as shepherds watching out for the flock. He said:
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
The writer to the Hebrews seemed to be speaking in regard to the same group of men when he instructed, “Remember those who rule over you who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (13:7). A few verses later, he also stated, “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (13:17).
The combination of these verses makes it clear that shepherds lead (the real meaning of the word “rule”) by example. Their faith and eternal destination ought to be evident in the way they live. Further, they have the great responsibility of watching out for the spiritual wellbeing of each member of the flock. The gravity of their task should not make us envious but prayerful for them. After all, they are prayerfully thinking about each of us with but one goal in mind for us all—heaven. Pray for the men who serve in this important office.
