Jan. 04, 2026

Another Year Older!

Introduction - What a title!  Makes me want to go back to bed.  Actually, getting older is a real blessing if you are a Christian.  This morning’s subject is not just about bunions and eye bags, but a look at some specific abilities God gives to older Christians, helping them to unlock the ability so you can be the most powerful people on earth.  Let’s start with a statement that God made about this age in which we live:

1 Corinthians 13:13 But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love. NASB

This is a new chance after a holiday break to employ the most powerful of the three spiritual dynamics God tells us about which are operating in this age: Hope (a confident expectation that Jesus will come again).  Faith (actually doing things like praying, attending church, giving, etc. even though Jesus has not yet come back), and Love (a selfless commitment to look out for the welfare of God and others).  We learn quickly to emphasize faith and hope, because we understand that they have some direct benefit to us and our immediate circumstances.  We memorize many promises concerning these, which are good and necessary.  In this Scripture, God is telling us an earthshaking, monumental truth: that Love is greater in every respect than the other two dynamics!  So, if we learn to love God as He defines love, we will be wielding the most powerful, influential dynamic in the universe.  

Let’s review a thought or two from a previous sermon:  Jesus pointedly instructed a small group of His disciples, including Peter, concerning what it meant to love Him.  

John 21:15-17 Now when they had finished breakfast, Jesus *said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Tend My lambs.” 16He *said to him again, a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He *said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” 17He *said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was hurt because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus *said to him, “Tend My sheep. NASB

Lying within easy sight was a large pile of fish, which represented the produce of their toil.  It was on obvious representation of life’s work, the building of an estate, the growth of a prosperous business and all the temporary securities that come with that.  Given free choice, we invariably make ourselves as comfortable and risk-free as possible. That is what is represented by the pile of fish.  Here is a major point: Jesus contrasted our devotion to earthly security (in the form of the fish pile which doesn’t especially bless Him) to the real thing, taking care of His lambs and sheep.  Right from the Creator’s lips, He is telling us how to love Him.  

We should consider what He didn’t say when He described how to love Him:  He didn’t tell us to write Him a song.  He didn’t tell us to build Him a building.  He didn’t tell us to become impoverished.  He didn’t want us to shed the blood of animals.  He didn’t tell us to become martyrs.  How God says He wants loved is for us to “tend” and “shepherd” his sheep.  These are terms taken from the simple task of shepherding, as it was done in Bible times.  “Tend” (Greek bosko) meant to feed.  For the Christian, it has to do with feeding the Word of God to the sheep.  “Shepherd” is a broader term (Greek poimaino), having to do with guarding, protecting and guiding the sheep.  These are not complicated tasks.  They require someone to take responsibility concerning others, and not just look out for themselves.  

A logical question arises amongst us:  who should take this responsibility?  Was it just meant for Peter? Maybe only for the disciples present at that breakfast (there were only eight out of 11 present)? Maybe only the apostles, as they became known as in years to come? Maybe in years after they passed away the Lord meant people who were ordained as elders in the towns Paul visited?  

1 Peter 5:1-4 Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: 2shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; 3nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock. 4And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 

The word for “elder” in this verse, (Greek presbuteros) simply means an older person.  It is a comparative word, as you would use to describe two people, one of which is older than the other. Here’s a brief definition from the Discovery Bible with its Strong’s Concordance number:

4245 presbýteros – properly, a mature man having seasoned judgment (experience); an elder.

This includes just about everyone in any church, as there would be very few, mathematically, who would be the youngest.  It also does certainly include the presbytery, the ordained and recognized decision makers, called “elders who rule well” in 1Tim 5:17.  

The shepherd’s work was rather uncomplicated and unglamorous. He brought the sheep into an enclosed area at night to protect from predators. Occasionally, he rendered first aid to a sheep which was sick or injured.   He led them out during the day to feed and water and guarded them at all times.  Shepherds kept their flocks on the outskirts of the city.  The work wasn’t in the marketplace, so it wasn’t flashy.  The smell of animals  was familiar. This picture has parallels to shepherding the flock of God.  An elder just gathers people together and tells them the Word of God, thereby feeding them. An elder develops relationships with the saints and counsels and prays for them, thereby giving needed aid if they are having difficulties.  An elder teaches other elders to split the flock up and take responsibility for smaller portions, helping the people to go through the natural process of birthing new converts.  The work is not hard.  God gives the increase and causes spiritual growth if the shepherd is patient and faithful.  

The flocks within our church need people to take the responsibility to lead some part of the group’s life. Elders need give away responsibility so that others can prove their faithfulness.  God sees to it that each group has particular needs involving the saints’ emotional, spiritual and physical needs, as well as simple logistical needs like food, coffee and drinks, rides, calls and outreach to weaker members, absorption of new members being brought in by current members, opportunity to teach and lead given to developing members, and so forth. Really, shepherding just involves taking responsibility as well as giving it away.  Our house churches are the core of our congregation.  

Conclusion - An elder has a naturally-crafted spot in the Kingdom, formed by God, for each of us to show love to God. Let’s be smart and cherish the instruction given directly to humans around a campfire.  He is telling us up front how He works with us.  We must answer real questions after hearing this message from God.  What really is important to each of us?  God Himself pointed out the real competition: the pile of fish. Each person hearing this message has a wonderful opportunity, to prioritize the Kingdom by joining a small flock.  I believe that multiplied answers and miraculous acts of God await us.  Just about everyone hearing this message is, by definition, an “older” (elder).  Let’s send a clear “I love you” to Jesus by shepherding His flock!  Love is the greatest of all the dynamics working in this age.  Stop working so hard!  Employ the most powerful tool! Shepherd the flock!