FEED, DON'T BEAT THE SHEEP
(JOHN 21:15-19)
When I was a young pastor, I used to think Jesus said "Peter if you love Me, beat my sheep". And I did a good job. I rebuked everything and everybody from the pulpit with the fire of an Old Testament prophet. And the people loved it. They were so used to being beat up on that they thought they weren't spiritual if they left church feeling any way but miserable.
God did not allow Moses to enter the Promised Land because he misrepresented the Lord. He gave the people the impression God was mad at them when He wasn't. Moses beat the rock in anger, and therefore, never tasted a grape in Canaan.
We must be very careful not to misrepresent God. He's not mad at these folks, and if we are, we need to get back in touch with the Lord.
Feed God's people. Teach them the Word of God. Speak the truth in love. Share the pure Word of God in love.
As a young pastor, I would often preach at those who weren't there. If four people showed up for a mid-week service, I'd rant and rave (with plenty of proof texts) about diligence and commitment. I was talking to the ones who weren't there, not to the four faithful sheep who were. Pastor Chuck taught me to forget about who's not there and lovingly feed those who are. It was then that the ministry started to grow.
Guard your heart. Watch your motive. The only legitimate motive is love. That is why we teach, that is why we preach, that is why we worship, that is why we serve.
If you love Jesus, feed His sheep.
