Skip to main content

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

"Especially to those who belong to the family of believers."

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (Gal 6:10)   “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)           Joshua grinned when he saw Rex standing by the door, studying something on the ground. "Hey, man! Are we ready to do this thing?"          Rex looked up. "Josh, I can't do it. We're still best buds, but I can't stand your fiancée."           I've met "Rex" many times. I've been Rex. Joshua (Jesus) loves the Church. He's not a fool. He knows the Church is far from perfect, but she is His chosen bride. The Rexes of this world, who think themselves His friend, turn away from her. "You don't need the Church to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Ssssssubmmissssssionnn

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ . (Ephesians 5:21)             "Ssssssubmmisssssssionnn." Can't you just hear the serpent hissing this most horrible of words? If you listen to the serpent or the world, submission means groveling, allowing yourself to be abused, denying yourself your own humanity. Nothing could be worse than submission, could it?             Submission has never been a problem for me, as long as things are going the way I want them to. The rest of the time? Well, let's just say that while I don't know how to fight physically, I don't know how to not fight mentally. One of the fights I've been having with myself for years is about submission.             My first breakthrough took place on a trip to a bookstore. As I walked into the store, my thoughts were very clear. 1) I was goi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shark Fins, Triple Dog Dares, Heroes, Villains and Sidekicks

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)            There's a scene in Jaws in which someone sees a shark fin and starts a panic. As   all the swimmers scramble to shore, boats surround the fin, which falls over to reveal two kids. With several guns pointed at them, one of the kids points at the other. The message is clear: it was his idea. In Christmas Story, there's a scene in which one kid "triple dog dares" another to do something stupid. Since it's a triple dog dare, well, what choice does the boy have? There doesn't seem to be any end to the trouble that peer pressure can cause. ...
Post a Comment
Read more