Fed and Led part 1
Before I quote my main Bible verse for this Rant series I want to qualify what we're talking about. Because many many times the Bible (and preachers of the Bible) talk about natural things Spiritually. And we're going to do that. But at the same time, we can't ignore the fact that, "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual" (1 Corinthians 15:46). Which is to say, when we're talking about feeding people... sometimes (and, really, first and foremost) we're really just talking about giving them food. Because if all you can hear is your tummy rumbling, you certainly aren't going to be able to listen to a sermon. First natural, then Spiritual. So with that in mind I want to really dive into Revelation 7:17, "For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." First you feed them, then you lead them. That's why so many times we have pot luck dinners or church events. Things like that. Take care of someone in the natural and then you've opened a door to reach them Spiritually. When Jesus was talking to Peter--after Peter had vowed to go all the way with Jesus, only to deny Him three times that very day--Jesus asked over and over, "Do you love me?" And when Peter insisted that he did, Jesus told him HOW to love. He said, "...Feed my sheep" (John 21:16,17). Right? We love God BY loving people. And to most people (ESPECIALLY those who are hungry) there's no greater way to love them than to feed them. So what we see is what we've always seen. The Lamb feeds US, and then WE feed each other. We receive and release the provision He has given to us. We love... as He loves us. But it starts at the bottom, if I can say it that way. Seeing a need and meeting it. Not giving someone a pat on the back and saying, "Good luck with that." But giving out of your abundance. If you have two coats, and you see someone without a coat... give them one of yours. I'm convinced that the most holy thing we can do in this life is to love one another. That's what it means to be holy as God is holy. Because God is love. I don't know why I've been thinking about this for a while now, but I'm just gonna put it out there: I can say swear words... and also love people. I don't, because I made a deal with my son that he can say anything he hears me say, but that's beside the point. I can watch rated R movies... and also love people. These things that religion likes to attack really don't have much to do with love most of the time. But religion needs a boogeyman, or an antichrist, or whatever. My point it, as long as you are giving people what they need (love) because it's what you've got... don't worry about the rest. People are hungry. Naturally and Spiritually. Sometimes at the same time, but sometimes one more than the other. So be wise. Be discerning. Be UNDERSTANDING. And, just as the Lamb, the good Shepherd, always has and always will give you exactly what you need... give it to those around you. Share what you've got. Share who you are. Feed the sheep, even as the Shepherd has fed you. Love others, even as Jesus loves you!