Feed My Sheep

John‬ ‭21:17‬ ‭- He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep.”

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After Jesus was resurrected, He appeared before the disciples and stayed with them awhile longer before being taken up to heaven to be seated at the right hand of God at His throne. Above Jesus had just commissioned Peter to be like a pastor, to tend to, watch over and continue, as Jesus had done, to feed the sheep the Word of God. 

Thinking about a conversation with a friend from the other day, the scripture reference above came to mind, which I blurted out. Peter, the impetuous disciple. I'm so glad there are examples of all different personalities in the Word. We are all different with a variety of gifts and talents. We are not to compare ourselves with others. In the body of Christ, His people are not the same. 

If we are born into the kingdom of God, our major emphasis is to serve Him and that includes helping to "feed" others in the Word. How we do it will vary. No two people will be, or even should be, like another. We are all created by God and have different talents. Doesn't make one better than another, especially if we are part of the body of Christ. As my friend had accidentally commented, Don't worry what thinkle peep!!! Listen:

But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty..." (1Corinthians‬ ‭12:20-23‬)

I am just me and I realized this past week from various sources that I am being used to encourage others, which God knows has just encouraged me...when I needed it most! He's so amazing. And I'm just thrilled to be a child of His, with a simplistic love for Him and simplistic knowledge and understanding of Him. I'm content in this realization. Praise Him! He is so faithful. If my words are simple, so be it. 

Along with this scripture I was reminded of the question by Jesus, "What is that to you?" in answer yet again to a question Peter had regarding the disciple John (whom Jesus loved...not that He didn't love the others also!). Jesus had just shown Peter the manner of his death and the question Peter asked was about the means of the disciple John's death. 

Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper... Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” (John‬ ‭21:20-22‬)

This shows that we are not to worry about or compare ourselves to anyone else. I am going to personalize this. I am God's creation. He knows me better than I do. My job as a believer is not to follow anyone else, but to follow Jesus. When I do follow Him, He will direct my paths in the way that is best for me, not anyone else. We are all, as children of God, called to feed His sheep, and be a light in this dark world. 

I have been encouraged myself this week in small ways, culminating in this blog! I know what I must continue to do. It's what I've been doing for a long time yet wondered if it was time to stop. I have my answer. 

Thank You, my God. 

Matthew‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭- Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”