“Again He said to him the second time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Shepherd (tend) My sheep.”~ John 21:16 (Amplified Bible)
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This past Sunday morning during worship service, I was singing my little heart to God with the words: “Oh how we love you.” I heard a voice say, “Tend my sheep." This still small voice probably wouldn’t have meant much to me at any other time in my life, but lately I’ve been contemplating my role as chaplain, life group leader, friend, Christian, etc. “Tend my sheep” wasn’t just a command for Simon Peter, but it remains a charge for us today.
Identify as the shepherd…..Follow the master shepherd (Jesus Christ) as the perfect standard in showing how we are to care for those around us. When Jesus encountered the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them (Matthew 9:36). Once your heart is tender and softened to the hurting souls in your world, take action.
Care for your sheep…. I John 4:21: “Those who love God must also love one another.” Want to prove how much you love God? Then love your brother. Moreover, love the person who is difficult to love. I’ve found much of my “shepherding” has simply consisted of being nice to people who really haven’t been all that nice to me. The gruff sheep deserve as much of my care, attention, and devotion as the sweet little lambs. So, speak life into the black sheep in your sphere of influence. Pour out the Scriptures into them, pray over them, do a favor for them. It’s a “small gate, narrow road” kind of life, but the daily choice to love your sheep brands you with honor and grants you an eternal reward.
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” ~Isaiah 40:11
Yours in Christ,
Feylyn Lewis
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