Feed My Sheep

The disciples and other followers must have felt deserted, alone, fearful.  The Crucifixion brought utter terror to their souls; the Resurrection ushered in cautious optimism laced with obvious uncertainty.  They knew what Jesus had said about coming back to life, but could it really be true.  The tomb was now empty and the evening was upon them.  Suddenly, as they hid behind locked doors, Jesus appeared, offering  peace for their troubled hearts in the Person of the Holy Spirit.  Thomas was not present then, but a week later Jesus returned to offer the nail prints and scars as proof of His renewed existence.  Thomas humbly proclaimed his belief in the Son of God.  Then Jesus departed...to where, we're not sure.

Not knowing what to do, the disciples decided to return to doing what they knew best.  Peter said, "I'm going fishing" (John 21).  Others decided to tag along with their new spokesman. Their excursion was fruitless as time after time their nets came up empty.  A shadowy figure called out from shore, "Cast on the other side".  The catch was miraculous.  Soon a marvelous breakfast was being enjoyed as the disciple recognized Jesus.  Peter, humbled and distraught by his own denial of Christ during his trial, now sat face to face with the Risen Savior.  Three times he was asked of his love for Jesus.  Three times he confirmed that love.  And with each confirmation came a command.  Jesus told Peter, probably within earshot of the others, "Feed my sheep."

We, too, have been given that same command, to care for those who choose to follow Christ. We are called to go into the highways, the neighborhoods, the waters...next door, around the block and around the world to carry the message that Jesus not only lives, but He is ready to feed us with His grace.  Read the marvelous story recorded as it happened by the apostle John (21:24).  Then when you wonder, "What do I do now?", you will remember, and hopefully obey the words of our Lord, here personally paraphrased, "Go into all the world and...feed my sheep!"

Keep Climbing

I love this post from Evangelist / Pastor Brian Rogers.  Brian will be speaking at the OFWB Convention on Tuesday night, May 21, 2013.  Service time is 7:30 p.m.  Don't miss it.

Keep Climbing

  

A small girl had been promised the privilege of climbing to a nearby hilltop where her brother enjoyed playing. But when she came within sight of the steep, rough path, she drew back in dismay. "Why, there isn't a smooth spot anywhere. It's all bumpy and stony!" she exclaimed.

"Yes," said her more experienced older brother, "but how else would we ever climb to the top if it wasn't? The stones and bumps are what we step on to get there."

Each day our desire should be to step up higher into God's purpose or plan for our life. Life is not a destination but rather a journey. It is a continual progression of moving toward the destiny that God has for each of us. And along this journey there will be some stones and bumps that can be rather difficult. The rough terrain of life at times may be very discouraging, but God will use those challenging moments to prepare us for the future. The great news is the grace of God is endless. In other words, no matter how difficult the journey God's grace is sufficient to empower us to keep on climbing.

Yes, climbing up a mountain will produce bumps, bruises and sometimes scars, but they are nothing more than reminders of God's amazing grace.