Monday, June 16, 2008

Words of Encouragement

Jesus calls us to feed his sheep. This means he wants us to give them the "good" things that will help them to grow. Lord help us to feed your sheep from the goodness from your word.




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." 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. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." - John 21:16-18



Feed my Sheep. If you love me, you'll do as I command. As I was finishing up my leadership Formation class, there was a wonderful book that helped us to understand what true leadership is about. The book, titled, In the Name of Jesus, helped the students to get a better glimpse of what true leadership looks like. This book reminded us that true leadership is not about you being spectacular, or having power, or even being relevant. A true leader, the servant leader is one that allows God to led them even in areas they do not want to go.



Peter was troubled with Jesus' question. He did not understand why he continued to ask him the same question. But Jesus wanted Peter to understand something important. If we love Jesus, we will take care of his sheep (his people). He also told Peter that there would come a time when he would be led where he did not want to go. Peter in a later time would be led to his death for Christ.



Jesus says to all that claim him as Lord, do you love me? He ask it more than once. He ask it because he does not want us to give him a quick answer, but a well thought out one that says, Yes. And when we answer yes, he tells us feed my sheep.



Today, Let us understand what God's call is to the life of his people. God does not call us to a greatness of position, but to one of sacrifice. God does not call us to doing the spectacular so that men and women will pat us on the back, but he calls us to seeking to touch the lives of the one that others forget because of their lowly status. God does not call us to power so that we can be great before men, but he calls us to humility so that we will lower ourselves so that others can go before us.



Today, I pray for us that we hear Jesus' words to us, do you love me? Let us say yes Lord help us so that we can feed your sheep. Help us to be willing to be led even in those areas that we would rather not, but help us to be willing because you are the one doing the leading.