I Peter 5:2-3 “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.2” (ESV)
The sheep and shepherd picture runs throughout Scripture, and Jesus pressed it directly onto Peter. After the resurrection, He asked three times, and commissioned three times: “Feed my lambs… Tend my sheep… Feed my sheep.2” (John 21:15–17)(ESV)
I believe this is one of the highest callings on earth: to feed the people of God. Teach them. Disciple them. Care for them. Carry burdens. Protect and provide. Not from a distance, but close enough to notice what’s really going on.
And if you study sheep, the metaphor gets uncomfortable. They’re prey animals with little defense beyond fleeing. Even then, they often follow whoever is in front—even into danger. That’s why God calls us sheep. We drift. We spook. We follow voices. We need shepherding.
Peter’s charge is simple:
Feed them.
Be an example.
D.L. Moody said, “A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they just shine.”
Most aren’t called to be pastors, but all of us can live this out—in our homes, workplaces, and teams. People are watching your feet before they hear your words.
Stay on Mission
Leave a Reply