So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more then these? He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”
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.”
John 21:15-18 (NASB)
Do you know any passive believers? They are happy to sing the choruses and enjoy the sermon. They sit in the Sunday School classroom or Life Group living room and enjoy the pleasant company of fellow believers… but ask them to serve, and suddenly their life is far too complex and busy to allow them the time to prepare a lesson or change a diaper or clean some else’s house. There is no pretense that they are preparing to serve. They may give a little extra money towards the effort, but please take them off your contact list.
I wonder if they ever hear the Lord asking: “Do you love me?”
As I read the four gospels I am struck by how often Jesus, a Man of action, commands His disciples to action. He told the disciples to “Come, follow Me,” but He didn’t stop there. He called them, then taught them, then formed them into a team, and then He sent them out in pairs to bring the good news to others. Before He ascended into heaven He even commissioned them to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”
We serve a mighty, energetic God. He isn’t a couch potato waiting to be entertained. He is active in our lives and the lives of those around us. He wants us to follow His example by connecting with fellow believers as part of an active ministry team.
Are you listening? Can you hear Him asking, “Do you love me?”
“Tend My lambs.” Team Kid, KPW, Boy’s Brigade, GAs, Children’s Sunday School, or even a New Believer’s Class fit the bill. When we change a diaper, wipe a snotty nose, or tell a Bible story to eager young ears we tend His lambs.
“Shepherd My sheep.” Don’t just stand there – LEAD. Assuming an active role in Life Groups, Women’s Ministry, CARE, Men’s Ministry… these are just a few ways to practice shepherding God’s sheep.
“Tend My sheep.” Prayer Warriors, CARE, Hospitality Committee, and Frederick Rescue Mission are a few ways we can reach out and touch the lives of others – not only in our congregation, but in our community and beyond.
~Ben Overbey
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Awesome thoughts Ben, thank you for your time.
ReplyDeleteAs a church (the body of christ), if we all take a little moment, we realize we can do better in our commitments to serve christ, not only by listenning to what he has to say, but by also taking that bold step of doing it, ''go into the world and preach the gospel''
ReplyDeleteKnowing how you love the old hymns...one came to mind while reading this. "He leadeth me, He leadeth me" But to be led, we must follow. Very timely devotional. Thanks for being a great leader Ben.
ReplyDeleteDuring my short time at Greenridge I enjoyed working with Ben (Sunday School for youth). I, as I am sure many other parents, am happy to see great men of God serving with our children and youth. It makes a difference in their lives forever. If everyone in the body of Christ served in some way we could reach so many more lives for Christ. Thanks for all you have done and are doing now Ben!!! Miss you and Sue!!!
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