Saturday, April 25, 2015
John 21:17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, 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, "Tend My sheep ..."
TEND MY SHEEP
We are not all called to be apostles like Peter. We are not all called to teach Bible Class on Sunday or proclaim the Gospel from a pulpit. But in a certain sense all Christians are called to tend God's flock.
Our Savior died for all. They need to know it. And the sheep that are in the fold already, they need to stay safely in the fold. We need to tend them, you and me.
We need to keep each other from danger. Diligently watching each other with love. Being present in the lives of our fellow Christians. Praying for one another. Applying the rebuke of the Law when needed, and the tender embrace of the Gospel.
We need to keep each other well pastured and watered. Continually speaking the Word of the Almighty God to one another. With an email. With a post. With a phone call. With a text. And yes, even IN PERSON.
We need to bind up the wounds of our fellow sheep and nurse them to health with the powerful Word of God. Patiently bearing each other's burdens. Exercising the compassion and wisdom that our divine Savior teaches.
Help us Holy Spirit, that we respond to the grace and mercy we have received in Christ, by reflecting that grace and mercy in our lives. Make this our attitude: I will tend my fellow Christian. I will go and find him. I will call him with your Word. Your power will do the work, but I will be your humble instrument. I will tend your sheep.
