God Gives The Shepherd Food For The Sheep
“After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these? “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you. “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 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 21:15-17 NLT)
Jesus is the great shepherd and teacher. There is no questioning this fact. How does Jesus carry out his shepherding and teaching to the people? He does this through his undershepherds and teachers. He is the head and we are the body. What he does on the earth, he does through men and women. Some people say, “I don't listen to man, I only listen to God.” This is a foolish position to take. Other than the original Ten Commandments, how did God get his written word to the earth? He got it to men who got it to the people. Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep in the passage above. What does this mean? God gives the shepherds food for the sheep. If you attend a local church you must understand that God gives your shepherd the food that you need. When you begin to understand this fact, it will dramatically increase your church attendance. Why? You will understand that you are not simply attending another church service, but you are feasting on the manna from God that was prepared specifically for you. When you understand that; the gift, grace, anointing, and revelation that God has for you will come from the shepherds over you, this will change the way you engage your local church and the minister you sit under. If God gives the shepherds the food to feed to the sheep what does this mean? When a shepherd comes to the field to feed, the sheep should be there. You should settle it today. Sundays are feeding time. Wednesdays are feeding time. Special events are feeding time. If you make this adjustment you will see your life exploding with the impartation you receive. If the shepherd comes to the field to feed and you are never there to eat, this can only mean three things. One, you are not a true sheep. Jesus said a sheep knows the shepherd's voice and comes when he calls. Two, you have failed to submit to God's word and authority. Three, you do not value the shepherd or the food he has prepared. When you truly value the Lord, His word, and His servants, you will never let anything stand in the way from the feast He has prepared for you.