The Apostle Peter denied Jesus 3 times at Jesus' greatest time of need (John 18:15-27). After his resurrection Jesus took time to specifically let Peter know that he loved him and forgave him (John 21:15-17). It is interesting that Jesus told Peter, who would become a leader in the early church, to feed his lambs, tend his sheep and feed his sheep.

Feed means to feed or keep, while tend can also mean to feed but also to shepherd or pastor. Peter exhorted the elders (shepherds) of the church to oversee, care for, shepherd and feed the flock, or church (1 Peter 5:2). The shepherd leads, protects, feeds and pastures his flock (Ps 23, John 10:1-30).

We have shepherds, our pastors and elders, who provide spiritual food from the Bible. When Jesus charged Peter there was such a clear emphasis on feeding the flock. We should heed this emphasis in our own lives.

God's word is truth (John 17:17) and this truth sets us free (John 8:32). God's word is life (Psalm 119:50); it is vibrant, alive and full of power (Heb 4:12). This power will change us (Rom 12:2), make us all God wants us to be, bring God's blessings and grow our faith (Rom 10:17).

No wonder the psalmist said "thy word have I hid in mine heart" (Psalm 119:11; KJV). We would do well to heed this advice.

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