When God Calls You to Feed Others

"Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly" - 1 Peter 5:2 (NKJV)

One can't help but remember the scene after Jesus' resurrection when He was restoring Peter by a campfire. Three times Jesus asked, "Peter, do you love Me?" And three times He gave the same command: "Feed My lambs... Tend My sheep... Feed My sheep" (John 21:15-17). The same Greek word used for "feed" and "tend" is the word "shepherd" that we see in First Peter 5:2.

The primary assignment of the Pastor is to feed God's people. But what does this feeding actually look like in practice? It means feeding them on Sunday morning when you stand behind the pulpit. It means feeding them on Wednesday night in Bible study. It means feeding them in small groups where you open God's Word together. It means every opportunity you have to share God's truth with others—that's feeding the flock.

Think about Acts 6:1-6, which describes the beginning of the deacon ministry. There were so many needs in the first-century church that complaints began to arise. The apostles said, "We need to select a few people who will oversee this business so that we can give our attention to the Word of God and to prayer. We can't do it all. We need some who will serve the flock by taking care of physical needs so that we can take care of the spiritual needs. We need to give our attention to the word of God and to prayer" (see Acts 6:2-4). This was the distinction of duties, but notice what the apostles prioritized: the Word of God and prayer.

The assignment is clear: lead the flock, feed the flock, and be an example to the flock. But notice the motivation Peter emphasizes—"not by compulsion but willingly." This calling isn't about obligation; it's about love. It's about willingness. It's about wanting to serve God's people, not having to.

Reflection Question: Peter prioritized "the Word of God and prayer" even when many practical needs demanded attention. How can you make these same priorities central in your own spiritual life and service to others?

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithful pastors and spiritual leaders You've placed in my life who feed me Your Word each week. Thank You for their commitment to prioritize Your Word and prayer, even when so many other demands compete for their attention. Help me to be an encouragement to them and to support their ministry. In Jesus' Name, amen."

Adapted from "God's Ideal for Servant Leaders" (1 Peter 5:1-4): https://www.joshfranklin.org/media/wbzxn7b/22-god-s-ideal-for-servant-leaders-1-peter-5-1-4