Critical Times

We are living in critical times of U.S. history. With the current economic crisis and political uncertainty, we wonder, “Where is America headed?” People are in a state of anxiety and hope a solution is in sight.
Another critical time of change occurred when Jesus was about to return to heaven after He had been crucified. He had devoted and sacrificed His life for the people. Jesus only had a few days before His ascension; therefore, what He spoke in those moments were vital.
Jesus chose to ask his disciple, Simon Peter, three times, “Do you love me?” Peter answered earnestly, “Yes Lord, You know that I love you.” Jesus responded to Peter with this admonition, “Feed my lambs… Feed my sheep. . .” (John 21:15-17 NKJV). Jesus paid an infinite sacrifice to save humanity and He asks his followers today, “Feed my Lambs” – take care of my beloved people.
We each have been given special talents and abilities. Uniting together, God’s work of shepherding and supporting His people will be harmoniously complete. “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. . . . And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all” (I Cor. 12:4, 6).
With the spirit of God helping us, we can successfully accomplish His work. We are one body and one spirit. “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ” (I Cor. 12:12). No part of the body is insignificant. We each have an integral role to play in the work of Christ. “And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’; nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’ No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary” (I Cor. 12:21, 22).
The Lord has bestowed upon each of us various gifts to be used in His service. Each important gift or talent should always be used in love. Without Christian love in our hearts, the talents God has given us would mean nothing. “And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing…Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up…bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. . .” (I Cor. 13:2-7).
Each member working together in one body and true Christian love go hand in hand. It is our privilege in the important times to be united in the Lord’s work. Jesus’ last words to the disciples were “Feed my lambs.” Let us all continue this admonition to the end!
Cynthia Ly Lan Nguyen