Opening Day
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:17
The sky is dark with no trace of the coming dawn. The time is 5:24AM. I am sure the hunters are having their coffee as they layer up for opening day of deer season. It is only 21℉ and I shiver just thinking about going outside to…feed the deer.
There are signs posted everywhere: No Hunting Within Village Limits. Will the hunters heed that warning? Some will and some won’t!
I am aware that the herd needs to be thinned but it seems so heartless. I am struggling with this.
ME: Jesus, would it be wrong or too much to ask that You protect my herd of deer?
JESUS: Of course not but let’s fix your thinking. Those beautiful deer do not belong to you. They are mine. While you take care of them and feed them, they are not your possession or pets. Today some will live and some will die. You cannot do anything about it.
ME: But I feel helpless.
JESUS: You are! You must trust Me today.
ME: I want to. I keep looking out of the window now at the ones who are waiting for their sweet potatoes, carrots and apples. They are innocent targets and they are probably already pregnant with spring fawns. It makes me sad.
JESUS: How about this: spend your day thinking about My herd. There are many who need to be fed with My Word. They need to feel My love—so love on them. Many are just wandering around without a sense of direction. Can you care for My herd?
ME: Surely, I can do some of that. I don’t know how to…well no, I feel uncomfortable doing all of it.
JESUS: I am asking you to do this for Me. It is a yes or no answer. Which will it be?
ME: Yes, if You will guide me. How did we get to this point in the conversation?
JESUS: You asked Me to protect your herd. I asked you to take care of Mine.
ME: I think my request is easier than Yours because You can do anything.
JESUS: Have you not yet learned that you can do all things through Me…when I strengthen you. This is important to Me.
ME: Yes, I know this. I will do my best for You.
JESUS: You know, My child, deer season will end. My season is eternal.
Photo Mo Johnston