WHAT ABOUT FEEDING THE SHEEP?

"Feed My lambs . . . Feed My sheep . . . Feed my sheep" (John 21:15-17).

You remember the occasion, don't you? Following Christ's resurrection, He appeared several times to His disciples. We are told of a special word to Peter during the third one of those appearances (John 21:14). During that time, at the word of the Lord, the disciples took in a catch of 153 large fish. When they were all on shore, they found the Lord had prepared some bread and fish for them. It was at that time that He said, "Come and dine," telling them to bring some of the fish they had caught (John 21:9-10). But this was not the most significant event of that morning.

On the night of Christ's betrayal, Peter, under a severe assault by the devil, has denied Jesus three times. Now Jesus would ask him to confess his love for Him three times. But the ultimate blessing would not be found in merely acknowledging his love for Jesus. Rather, the Lord would unveil the proper manner in which real love for Him would be shown. He would direct Peter, and all others who love Him, to nourish His people.

First, care was to be taken of the "lambs"–the diminutive and young. They were to be fed, so they could "grow up into Christ in all things" (Eph 4:15). Even a greater emphasis, however, was placed on feeding the "sheep"–seeing to it that the people of God were sustained by fresh and invigorating words from the Lord. ONCE Jesus said "Feed my lambs." TWICE He said, "Feed my sheep!"

Later, Paul would admonish the elders at Ephesus to "feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). Peter took seriously the word of the Lord., and himself admonished spiritual leaders, "Feed the flock of God which is among you" (1 Pet 5:2).

How is it that such feeding is so rare in our day? And what will be done to those recalcitrant leaders who do not extend themselves to strengthen the people of God? The mandate has come from the King, and none dare ignore it.
"FEED MY SHEEP!" A weak and emaciated people are a reproach to their leaders, vulnerable to the ploys of Satan, and a disgrace to Jesus. Food has been provided for them, but it must be given to them. It is true, they can feed themselves, but woe to the pretentious minister who forces them to do so while they sit under the sound of his voice! Jesus gave Himself for the church (Eph 5:25). It is the ordained role of every spiritual leader to feed His people!

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, grant me grace to participate in feeding and giving advantage to Your people.

-- MONDAY: THE GREATNESS OF GRACE --