**The Humble Shepherd and the Roaring Lion**
The sun dipped low over the hills of Asia Minor, casting long shadows across the scattered communities of believers. In the quiet town of Pontus, an elder named Matthias sat by the flickering light of an oil lamp, his fingers tracing the words of a letter he had received from the Apostle Peter. The parchment was worn from being passed among the churches, its message urgent and tender.
Matthias read aloud to the small gathering of elders: *”To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care…”*
The words settled heavily on Matthias’ heart. He had been tending this small flock for years, guiding them through persecution and hardship. He knew well the weight Peter spoke of—the responsibility of leading God’s people, not out of obligation, but out of love.
One of the younger elders, a man named Lucas, leaned forward. “What does Peter mean when he says we must serve willingly, ‘not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve’?”
Matthias sighed, rubbing his temples. “I have seen men who took this sacred trust lightly, using their position to enrich themselves or to lord over others. But we must remember—the Chief Shepherd is watching. He will reward faithfulness.”
A murmur of agreement passed through the room. The thought of standing before Christ one day, giving an account for their service, filled them with both solemnity and hope.
### **The Call to Humility**
Peter’s letter continued: *”All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…”*
Just outside the meeting place, a dispute had broken out between two believers—Ephraim, a wealthy merchant, and Jonas, a humble fisherman. Ephraim’s voice carried through the thin walls. “You dare question my generosity? I have given more to the church than you ever could!”
Matthias rose and stepped outside, his presence commanding silence. “Brothers,” he said gently, “have we not just read the Apostle’s words? ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’”
Ephraim’s face flushed, but Jonas bowed his head. “Forgive me,” Jonas said. “I spoke in anger.”
Ephraim hesitated, then exhaled deeply. “And I in pride.”
Matthias placed a hand on each man’s shoulder. “Let us cast all our anxieties on Him, for He cares for us.”
### **The Adversary’s Snare**
But not all was peaceful in Pontus. In the shadows of the city, whispers spread. The Roman authorities had taken notice of the growing Christian community, and spies lurked in the marketplace. Worse still, some within the church had begun to waver under pressure, their faith shaken by threats and suffering.
One evening, a woman named Lydia came to Matthias in distress. “My husband has forbidden me to attend the gatherings,” she confessed. “He fears what the neighbors will say. And I… I fear the future.”
Matthias remembered Peter’s warning: *”Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”*
“Lydia,” he said firmly, “the enemy seeks to isolate you, to make you feel alone. But you are not. Resist him, standing firm in the faith. Remember—your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same trials.”
Lydia wiped her tears and nodded. “I will hold fast.”
### **The Promise of Restoration**
Weeks turned to months, and persecution intensified. Some fled to neighboring towns; others were arrested. Yet through it all, Matthias and the elders continued to shepherd their people, reminding them of Peter’s final promise: *”And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”*
One evening, as Matthias prayed beneath a starlit sky, he felt a strange peace. Though the road was hard, though the lion roared, he knew the Shepherd was near. And one day—soon, perhaps—the sufferings of this present age would fade into the everlasting glory of Christ.
With renewed strength, he returned to his flock, ready to lead, to serve, and to stand firm.
