JESUS SPEAKING
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” He said to Him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, 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, “Feed My sheep.” (John 21: 15 – 17)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
After the resurrection, and before ascending into heaven, Jesus spent some time with His Disciples. During this interaction, Peter was asked three times if He loved Jesus; and each time he reiterated his devotion. After every affirmation, he was given a mandate; to feed God’s people and to tend to His sheep. Thus Peter’s duty would require him to feed the body of believers spiritually; to nourish their hungry souls by reminding them of the words and teachings of Jesus Christ. And so, exposure to the scriptures is essential for healthy Christian living.
After invading Moscow in 1812, Napoleon thought he had defeated the Russians. And yet, upon entering Moscow he discovered the city was mostly abandoned and devoid of resources. In addition, a fire began, which burned a majority of the city to the ground. Despite losing Moscow, the Russians remained defiant and refused to surrender their nation. Lacking the supplies needed to endure the harsh winter, Napoleon ordered his Grand Army to retreat from Russia. During this time, the freezing weather, surprise attacks, and a lack of adequate shelter caused many deaths. However, the absence of food was likely the most devastating affliction they endured. Thousands of soldiers starved to death before their march was completed. According to some estimates, of the approximately 600,000 French troops who entered Russia, only around 100,000 survived the ordeal.
In much the same way, the body of Christ is an army marching together in unity. To be certain, our greatest adversary is a lack of spiritual nourishment. If we submit to reading and learning from the teachings of Jesus Christ (and the scriptures) our Spirits will remain strong and healthy. But if we neglect Church attendance and biblical teaching our souls will starve and we will fall away. May we always seek to be fed spiritually as we journey with Christ.
“Lord Heavenly Father, feed us with Your word and sustain our souls by the power of Your Holy Spirit. May we always embrace Your teachings and be attentive to the scriptures that You have written for our benefit. May we remain strong in the faith and never waiver. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
