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1 Peter 5:4 — “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

All pastoral ministry is accountable to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Peter, writing to fellow elders, reminds them that their service is temporary and their authority delegated. The sheep do not belong to them; they belong to Christ. Pastors are undershepherds, entrusted for a time with the flock of God.

This truth guards pastors from both pride and despair. Pride is checked because the church is not their possession—it is Christ’s. They are not ultimate; they are stewards. Despair is lifted because the weight of the ministry does not rest on them alone. The Chief Shepherd cares for His flock far more than any pastor ever could.

The promise Peter gives is encouraging: faithful shepherds will one day receive a crown of glory. Unlike earthly rewards that fade, this crown is eternal. It is not earned by popularity or worldly success but by faithfulness in feeding, leading, and guarding the flock. Many pastors labor in obscurity, unrecognized by men, but Christ sees, and Christ will reward.

For the church, this truth should inspire confidence in Christ’s leadership. We are not left at the mercy of human leaders; we are under the care of the risen Lord. Pastors may come and go, but the Chief Shepherd remains forever. He never abandons His flock, and He ensures His undershepherds are accountable.

At the same time, the church should honor those who serve faithfully under Christ’s authority. Their work is demanding, their burdens heavy, and their accountability great. To resist them is to resist Christ’s order; to encourage them is to strengthen Christ’s work among His people.

The appearing of the Chief Shepherd also keeps perspective. Ministry is not about building earthly empires but about preparing for eternity. Every sermon, every prayer, every act of care is aimed at presenting the flock to Christ at His coming.

Let us honor the Chief Shepherd by honoring His undershepherds. And let us pray for pastors to remain faithful, knowing that one day, their reward will be eternal.