Of Shepherds, Flocks, and Monkeypox

A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep." John 21:17

What did Jesus mean when He said these words to Peter?

I believe a part of Jesus' message to Peter had to do with shepherding His flock in a manner that is much needed in the Church today.  Having allowed the culture to invade it and take up residence there, many a congregation has watered down or even ignored God's truth completely.  

Where does this leave the sheep?  Many have wandered away into briar patches and need a shepherd's help to be cut out of those briar patches and have the briars cut out of them.

Some sheep have wandered into other pastures, not knowing where they were going and have been picked off by wolves disguising themselves as sheep.

Still other sheep have been spooked by the noise of the culture they didn't expect to find in and among God's people, and they have run full speed over the cliff.

Just as Jesus told Peter so many years ago, He calls to us today.  He reminds us that if we truly love Him, we will obey Him.  We will feed His sheep.  We will tenderly care for them with His truth (1 Peter 5:2).  We won't be afraid of the culture, political incorrectness, or anything else.  We won't be afraid of calling homosexuality sin, or saying that monkeypox and other illnesses are a direct result of sin—sin that is an abomination to God (Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:27), and the consequences are far-reaching, impacting the innocent, as well.  

If we truly love God, we will live for Him and feed His sheep because we know how vast and all-encompassing is His love for us!  No need to fear death or anything else any man may do to us, for God always has our back (Proverbs 14:27).

I believe Jesus' three questions are not only for Peter, but they are for you and for me today.

Do you love Him?  Feed His sheep.

Goodnight, Runners.