Tag: care for sheep
“Do you love Me?”
Scripture reading for May 4th: John 21
Key Scriptures for over-comers: John 21:15-16 “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly 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 truly love Me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Take care of My sheep.”
More than talent, gifts, or sacrifice, Jesus wanted to know if Peter really loved Him. Love is the key ingredient to being a disciple of Jesus. God is “Love” and Jesus knew that without love, Peter would not be able to perform his assigned ministry as an apostle. Peter was to feed the ‘lambs’ and care for the ‘sheep’ of Jesus! His job was that of an under-shepherd. Peter had denied Jesus three times and now Jesus asked Peter to affirm his love three times. Peter indeed did affirm his love and Jesus then gave him a word of knowledge about how he would eventually give his life for the cause of Christ! True love is willing to give all we have, including our life-blood, for the Master and those who need to know Him!
Observations for over-comers: Love and obedience go hand in hand! If we truly love Jesus, we will feed and care for His sheep and lambs and obey His call on our life! “Love the Lord, all His saints! The Lord preserves the faithful, but the proud He pays back in full.” (Psalm 31:23)
Sunday rest and reflection:God’s promises!
Dear friends,
Greetings in the Wonderful Name of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd of His sheep! I am sure glad that I am one of His sheep! I want for nothing today because of His bountiful provisions in the green pastures and beside the still waters. I am comforted by his rod and staff protecting and guiding me. He is leading me and I fear no evil because of His watchful care. I can rest and enjoy safe pasture! This is what the day of rest is all about and we can enjoy it today and each day of the coming week in Jesus!
As I think back on this week’s reading in Ezekiel, I think about a passage that I wanted to write about but didn’t. Ezekiel 34 was a message to the shepherds of Israel who have been mistreating the flocks. In this passage, God stated that He would remove these shepherds. Then, in a series of “I Will” promises, He stated how He would shepherd the flock that belonged to Him! God would search for His lost sheep! He would rescue them and bring them out of the nations. He would pasture them on the choice mountain fields of Israel. He, Himself, would tend to their wounds and bind them up. He was going to place over them ‘one shepherd’, from the house of David, who would truly care for them and He would live among them forever!
Wow! What a vision and word from the Lord! All His promises are “Yes!” and “Amen!”. He has already fulfilled this promise to those who have received Jesus Christ as their Good Shepherd. He’s now about His business of rounding up the lost sheep and bringing them into the fold. He is binding up their wounds and leading them to the green pastures and still waters! Take time on this day of rest to thank your Good Shepherd for His wonderful care. Sit under one of His undershepherds and spend time with His people in worship and adoration, preparing for the glorious fulfilment of these wonderful promises! Jesus is coming soon! In Eager Anticipation, Pastor John