Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

A lot packed into this first sentence, both instructions to the flock and to those who are called to shepherd. One thing to note is that leadership is plural. The local congregation is not called to be a hierarchical structure based on the American business model, but an assemblage of leaders called to mutually keep watch over and be accountable for the health of the congregation.

The congregation is called to follow and submit to the Godly leadership, keeping in mind the example of the Bereans (Acts 17:11). The leaders are called to encourage the congregation to search the Scriptures.

The entire effort should come together in a spirit of joy without moaning and groaning. Over the years as innkeepers, we listened to a lot of ministers moaning about their flocks, but I don't recall a single instance where the complaining pastor expressed concern about their shepherding.

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 133

Mid-day: 119:41-48

Evening: Psalm 58

Please address comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/7251-2016-voices-together-weekly-format. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.