"Tend My Sheep," (John 21:16)
For a long time, I have been captured by the work and responsibility of a Shepherd. Growing up on a farm, and having the responsibilty of taking care of animals, I learned what is involved in this task. We talk about our spiritual leaders in the church, as being shepherds, who look after the flock, ministering to the spiritual needs of the sheep in God's fold. But the question comes: Can we as members of the church, be shepherds to each other? Are we supposed to look at our mutual care for each other in this way? I believe that these words Jesus said to Peter, He says to us today. You don't have to be in specialized spiritual leadership, to be a shepherd to others. You can help feed the Word of God to those who need it. You can be there to help when a crisis arises. There are those times when a pastor, or elders in a church, are not aware of a specific need. Or they are not as close to a certain person or situation as you are, and cannot give the encouragement and enlightment from God's Word, like you can. To be a shepherd to others, is to first of all know the Good Shepherd Jesus Christ intimately. And from that strong relationship with Him, you can love and care for those who have spiritual and physical needs. It may be, that in the process of time, you will be called to be a specialized spiritual leader. When that time comes, you will have had the experience of being a shepherd, to those who need the touch of our Great Shepherd, Jesus Christ! GP
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