TAKING CARE OF THE PEOPLE
“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.”” (John 21:16 NIV).
The true way to show God how much you love Him is by giving your life for the sake of others. This is what Jesus wanted to depict in Peter’s heart when he was asking him how much he loved Him, and what He required from him to show that love.
1. God is our pastoral example (Psalms 23.1-4).
God promises in His Word that He will personally help us during our hardships, He will guide us through difficulties or deserts we face in life (Isaiah 58:11).
Jesus saw the multitudes and he had compassion for them, because they were sheep without a shepherd; and it was compassion that moved the Father to send His only son to die on the cross for us.
2. The pastor helps people find their purpose.
The Bible teaches us that when we walked without the Lord’s guidance, we were dead in sin, but He gave us life and purpose (Ephesians 2:1). Pastors help us discover the purpose for which God created us and we realize we are not an accident on earth (Romans 9:11).
Each of us can help pastor others by watching out for them and helping them find their purpose in life, so that they can also be happy and fulfilled (Psalms 138:8).
3. Pastors help others pastor (1 Peter).
In Ephesians 4:11 we see that pastors are a gift from God to humanity, since they were established by our Lord Jesus Christ to be His representatives on earth. Jesus came to teach us how to pastor others correctly by giving his life for people. We don’t need to die so that others live, because Jesus already paid the price, but we can give our lives for others by giving our time, money, and empathy.
We are all pastors, whether we serve in church or attend a House of Peace.
Think about it:
Are you loving people in your life?
Who has been your pastor or guide in the last years, months or days?
