8. Regarding obedience to leaders, v.17a. The command, v.17aWe are to accept the wisdom of our leaders, those who have a call from God to shepherd His flock.b. The reason, v.17bLeadership is a stewardship granted by God, not on the basis of intrinsic worth, but by divine calling.c. The manner, v.17cWe are to allow them to exercise their authority with delight and joy.9. Regarding prayer, vv.18-19a. For the writer’s integrity, v.18b. For the writer’s release, v.19Added to the struggles of this flock is that they are a people whose previous leaders have died and their current leaders have been separated from them.