Rick Oldenkamp –
After his resurrection, Jesus had a conversation with Peter. It is captured in John, Chapter 21, verses 15-18:
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
Three times Jesus asks Peter to feed his sheep. Three times, he is asking us the same question.
How do we follow Jesus’ command? How do we feed His sheep? What can we do? How do we be shepherds to others? We all struggle with our response to Jesus’ command.
Before we can feed His sheep spiritually, to meet their spiritual needs, we need to meet their physical needs. It can be difficult to understand the God loves you and that Jesus died for you, if you have an empty stomach and are struggling to find enough to eat for you and your children.
St. Andrew’s Church in the World Committee has decided to meet this challenge head on, and to do something concrete that will feed God’s sheep. This Sunday, October 25, we will not be having our normal worship service in the Sanctuary. Instead we will meet in the Celebration Center and work with the “Stop Hunger Now” organization to package food for people that do not have enough to eat. We will have a chance to be fully in mission, and in meeting Jesus’ command to us. I am excited for this opportunity, and look forward to seeing everyone there on Sunday.