For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us. He used Christ’s blood and our faith as the means of saving us from his wrath. Romans 3:24 TLB
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17
In John's gospel we have the reference where Jesus clearly instructs Peter to feed His sheep. In this beautiful passage of ministerial restoration we can discover Jesus' heart about how to minister to His Church.
It is noteworthy that Jesus took the time to restore Peter. He not only restored the trust, He brought Peter back to a more fruitful relationship. He knew Peter didn't "feel" worthy any longer to be in His presence let alone minister the Word. Jesus lovingly restored Peter back to a place of fruitful ministry.
For all those who fight restoring ministers who fall, how do you react to this portion of the Word? Jesus didn't give up on Peter even though he had committed a far deeper transgression than a sexual sin. Now sexual sin has much to high a price tag to even go near it! Flee from that temptation! Peter though had actually denied Christ Jesus. Yet Jesus in His love redeemed a life and turned it around to a fruitful world changing ministry!
In this passage of John we are given a glimpse of God's heart. His desire for ministers and leaders is to feed the sheep! He doesn't desire "leaders" who feel the urge constantly to "beat" the sheep!
We need to embrace the truth not try and change it to fit our mold. God's Word declares God is not angry and wrath filled! He is not continually disappointed with His Church! To many put yokes and burdens on the people of God that drains their joy and love for God!
What are some of these yokes? Let's examine some of these.
1.) Fear. Many leaders use fear to control and keep the sheep in line! "If you mess up just once your on your way to hell!" Or "if you don't give your under a curse"! Holding eternal damnation or curses over people is not going to allow them to grow! It breaks people down. Relinquish fear! You are loved! He bore the curse for you! He has you secure in His hand!
2.) Disappointment. When leaders make folk feel like they're a disappointment to them or God it causes many to just quit. You can never perform well enough if you feel you are always letting God down. Rejoice knowing we aren't holding Him up. He is bigger than our performance! He performed perfect so you don't have to! Our job is to simply believe it and receive it and remain thankful for His finished work!
3.) Condemnation. Condemnation kills, period! Continually sensing you are a failure doesn't make you run to God and enjoy His presence. It makes you flee! It motivates you to run and hide from Him. I can hear God say He wants to fellowship with His people. He wants His children to come and sit on His lap and just be loved by their Father! Religion puts up signs all around saying, "Hold it! You aren't welcome here!" Lay aside these lies. You are the righteousness of God in Christ. You are accepted!
To many religious leaders have erected a sign around the pulpit. It states "don't feed the Sheep"! We need to take the Word of God and the love of the Father and kick these signs down! Jesus wants to feed His Sheep! He wants us to know who we are in Him!
Who are we? We are the accepted, the loved, the righteous, the healed, the prosperous. We are His kids! If you have accepted Jesus Christ all these are yours. If you haven't accepted Him. Know He isn't holding ANY sin to your account! He isn't mad at you! He just asks that you simply receive Him. You'll never be the same again!
It is really simple to receive Him. All you need do is say from your heart
" Jesus died for me, He arose from the dead for me, He paid the complete price for me. I receive you Lord Jesus. I thank you for making me a new creation in you! I am now saved, delivered, healed and whole!"
Its that simple! Thanks for reading leave any feedback I appreciate it! If you made this commitment definitely leave me feedback. Blessings.
2 comments:
Great Article!! LOVE THIS!! God bless you!! Carla
God loves to bless His people
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