Feed the Lord’s Sheep

by Gene Poore

Christians are familiar with Jesus’ prediction that Peter would deny Him
three times before the cock crew twice. After the Lord’s resurrection, Jesus asked
Peter, also three times, if he loved Him. Of course, each time Peter gave
immediate, affirmative answers. And each time Jesus gave Peter the same terse,
precise command. “Feed my sheep.” (JOH 21:17).
Jesus’ command never meant to entertain His sheep, nor pacify His sheep, nor
tell His sheep what the sheep wanted to hear. The food Jesus referred to was the
Gospel. Gospel nourishment in scripture format “Given by inspiration of God . . .
Profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness. . . .” (2TI 3:16).
Lacking gospel nourishment, many nonbelievers censure religion because God’s
reproof uncovers their iniquity. If scripture condemns lustful appetites, the
dissenter ignores scripture criticism. Yet, those same blasphemers proclaim out-
of-context scripture hints at God-approved evil. However, believers know “The
natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are
foolishness unto [the natural man]. . . .” (1COR 2:14).
Unfortunately, the world has always had “Sadducees” and “Pharisees.”
However, Jesus said, “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had
sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.” (JOH 15:22). Therefore, we cannot
hide our sins. Our words betray us. Our actions reflect the fullness of our heart.
“For out of the heart,” Jesus said, “Proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries,
fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. . . .” (MAT 15:19).
This remains so today, because, starting at the local level, governments
increasingly kowtow to the religious-offended minority. Because of Government
interference, wayward sheep of every religion remain unfed.
For the Christian, torn from public display, the “Ten Commandments” hide
nourishment in musty cellars. Muted behind children’s lips, food-for-thought
school prayer remains unspoken for any religion. Considering Godly nutrition a
threat to society, laws ban feeding assemblies from public observation. Because
non sensual appetites might offend carnal obesity, religious icons displayed in
the workplace bring lawsuits. Even religious symbols hanging from our neck needs
tucked out of sight from religion dietitians.
Why? Because any God-sponsored witness awakens unbelievers to uncomfortable,
unexpected hunger. Through witnessing, God speaks. For Christians, when Christ
speaks, Jesus’ words makes hearts know right--true right--from wrong, because, “To
him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (JAM 4:17).
So, until Christ returns as promised, we must do as Jesus bid Peter. Feed
His sheep. Seek opportunity, pray for opportunity, witness and testify at every
opportunity. Who knows? Someone might start a God-fed, feeding frenzy!