The Substitution

6/19/2020

John 21:16 “Lovest thou Me?... Feed My sheep.”

“Jesus did not say—Make converts to your way of thinking, but look after My sheep, see that they get nourished in the knowledge of Me.” ~ Oswald Chambers

 In today’s society, a lot of people have the idea that “if you are not for me then you are against me.” Many of us seem to have lost respect for those who do not hold the same beliefs we do, either politically or morally. This attitude causes nothing but division, anger, hatred, and unrest.  We need look no further than the constant news feeds to see this is true. This mindset can be thoroughly destructive to any society, group, or family.

Now I ask, what about the church? How are we doing in this area? Are we people who feed God’s sheep, for isn’t that what every single one of us is? Jesus lived and died to save all of humanity. Do we view people or communicate with others holding on tightly to this truth, always? Shouldn’t our single purpose in life be to nourish every individual with His word and through our love? This current time in our world could be a time of true revival. Are we, as God’s people willing to feed others with the truth of the Bible and acts of love, putting aside any and all difference of opinion as irrelevant?

Chambers writes, “Today we have substituted credal (creed/doctrine) belief for personal belief, and that is why so many are devoted to causes and so few devoted to Jesus Christ.” The power of this statement shakes me to my core, and is so timely even though it was written 85 years ago. Think about that. We, sadly, have not come very far. I, for one, am duly challenged.