This week’s devotions are based on Revealed Week 5 – Calling Revealed (WATCH HERE)
When Jesus calls us to feed and take care of his sheep, it doesn’t come without challenges and risks.
This past week someone asked a question, “If God knew we were going to sin and walk away from him, why did he create us in the first place?
Good question. It seems to challenge of the omniscience of God or simply question why he made mankind with the choice to sin.
The answer to the question can get deep and philosophical, but perhaps it has a much simpler answer…the same answer that a parent would give if asked, “Why did you have children when you knew they would take so much care, cause heartache, and draw so much of your energy and care?”
Because you had a heart of love that desired to share life with a child.
God has a great heart of love for people. He created them, even though he knew they would take nurture, guidance, care and correction.
It’s just what sheep do.
But Jesus found it worth it.
And he wants us to find it worth it too…so he calls us to be part of caring for the people he so greatly cares about.
As Jesus interacted with Peter, he called him to care for and feed his sheep:
John 21:15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 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.
What would that mean? What does that mean for us?
First, it means we love Jesus’ followers, just like he loved us. These are people with real needs, real hurts, real flaws and real fears. These are sheep that wander, bite back, get lost, and need to be fed and cared for. It’s a big commitment to care for the sheep. It’s a call to invest in people who may disappoint you, misunderstand you or simply walk away. But we do it anyway because we love our Good Shepherd.
Second, comes with a cost. Peter would lose his life for being a shepherd of Jesus. Jesus encouraged us to count the cost. Caring for people, leading in love, and feeding the flock is holy work—but also painful work. It will require patience when you’re weary, forgiveness when you’re wounded, and persistence when you’d rather quit. But Christ’s grace fuels this calling. The same Jesus who restored Peter is the One who sustains us.
And third, it’s personal. Sure you may not be a pastor or on staff at a church, but Jesus’ call is to you. Think of all the “one another” passages. Pray for one another. Carry each other’s burdens. Forgive one another, and more. Each one of these directions is the encouragement to shepherd those around you. Feed your sheep. Keep them out of spiritual danger and lead them closer to Christ.
Apply: Write down the people around you that God has given you influence over. Consider this your flock and ask God to show you ways you can feed and take care of them.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for trusting me to be one of your shepherds. Lead me to always rely on you to care for them! AMEN.