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Feed My Sheep

 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

            Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

            Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

            He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

            Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

            The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

            Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” 

            He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

            Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17)

 

          This passage doesn’t mention the kingdom of God, but as I walked the dog, it came to mind as the passage for the day. I believe it deals with the kingdom, and it happens to come after the passages on the kingdom that we explored yesterday and before the passage I had planned to discuss. Perfect timing, as it were.

          In yesterday’s Monday Mission, Motivation & Music post, I discussed the idea that our mission is basically the same. We are to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The command “Feed my sheep” is Jesus giving Peter his mission. Feeding Jesus’ sheep was what loving Jesus and loving his neighbor would look like for Peter.

          Had I been in Peter’s shoes, I probably would have felt very much as Peter did. Apart from God, I would have done a horrible job as a pastor – worse than Peter, and not just because I’m a woman and in his time, women would not have been accepted as pastors (though Priscilla was.)  But I suspect that Jesus wouldn’t have said, “Feed my sheep,” to me, and if He did, I suspect I’d open a restaurant or a food pantry or started a garden – at least at this point in my life.

          I’m not sure what instruction Jesus would have given me. There’s a niggle at the back of my mind that whispers that He might tell me to guide or instruct His sheep precisely because I have failed so miserably in teaching/leadership roles in the past. I love to do research and discuss ideas with people. But I’m afraid to even try in a traditional setting. That’s part of why I started writing fiction. But the truth is that I’m afraid He might put me in a leadership position where I can fail miserably again. To help or serve is safe. I suspect that the kingdom of God isn’t about my safety and comfort.

          What instruction would He give you? Ask Him about it and commit to doing it, whatever the answer. It might fit your current personality, education, skills, and interests. It might not. It’s likely to have to do with the gifts He’s given you. Or, it might open up a whole new life for you. But commit to doing it because that’s what you’re in the kingdom of God to do.

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