In the weeks prior to Easter, I focus in on Jesus more intently than any other time of the year. I focus in on the scriptures about His life, death and resurrection. Yet, within days of Easter being in the rear view, focusing on our call to be Easter people begins to fade.
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. (John 21:15-17 NIV)
This scripture is Jesus responding to Peter after he denied Him three times. It was intentional that Jesus asks Peter three times. It also emphasizes to me the call we have as Easter people to feed His sheep, to serve others, to show love to all.
I have always separated my “work” life from my ”ministry” life. I have always seen the mission of working at a Christian university, and felt called to work their. But, I didn’t see it as ministry. I had it wrong. All aspects of my life should be ministry. This new view of my ”work” has given it more life, more importance. I bring a different type of energy to the call. I’m feeding sheep.
It is easy to separate out aspects of our lives, to compartmentalize what we do in worship and prayer from day to day living. It’s easy to focus on spending time with God, doing devotionals, reading scripture over feeding sheep. We are called to be Easter people. We are called to feed sheep.
Do you compartmentalize your life? Are you feeding sheep? How is the call of being Easter people impacting your “work?” Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.