The Sheep’s Forage

Have you ever been to the countryside where a flock of sheep graze or roam freely? There’s usually an individual in the midst of the flock, guiding them to places of forage and water. That person is called a shepherd. In the opening verse, that word is used by the Lord Jesus and the Greek word for it is “poimen,” which means “to pastor.”

A pastor is one that’s called of God to nourish, carefully protect, and cherish the flock. This is what Jesus does to the Church; He nourishes and cherishes it. Ephesians 5:29 says, “For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and carefully protects and cherishes it, as Christ does the church” (AMPC). How does the Lord nourish the Church? He does it through the ministry of the Word!

It reminds me of something the Lord said to me while in prayer many years ago. He said, “Feed my sheep.” While I was still pondering on the statement, He said it again. At this time, tears flowed freely down my eyes because I knew what He meant. He wanted me to teach the Word, and I’ve been at it ever since. What the Lord said to me back then matches His encounter with Apostle Peter in John 21:17.

After asking Peter three consecutive times, “Do you love me?” and Peter answered in the affirmative, He said to him, “Feed my sheep.” He was telling Peter to feed them with the Word.

God’s Word is food for the spirit, and anyone who dares to believe and receive the Word is nourished, built up, and sustained in the victorious life. The Church is very important to the Lord. The Bible says “...we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones” (Ephesians 5:30). We’re one with Him, and through the ministry of the Word, He sustains, energizes, strengthens and prepares us for His soon return (Ephesians 5:26-27). Hallelujah!