FOTS 2: What does it take to feed His sheep?
This is why herds men love thier cattle so much that they can kill and be killed for it and what we can learn from it as Christians
The herder-farmer conflicts in Nigeria have deep roots and date back to pre-colonial times (before the 1900s). However, these conflicts have become far more severe in recent decades (1998–date). 1 These conflicts have led to thousands of deaths; in fact, statistics claim that about 19,000 deaths have been recorded as a result of such conflicts. Sadly, many of them were innocent people. God bless their souls.
An article indicates that a traditional herder is considered poor if their herd comprises only around 20 cows. These herders typically do not intend to slaughter their cattle for meat. A standard nomadic herd ranges from 20 to 30 cows, and having only this number is deemed economically lacking by traditional herders. The key insight is that these herders focus on maintaining the longevity of their cattle so they can reproduce more, making the primary business centered around the reproductive rate of the herd. Notably, the majority of the livestock is female, constituting nearly 60% of the herd. Male cattle are reduced by selling them off.
These herders, predominantly Fulanis, have consistently survived and thrived through this form of agriculture. It has been their advantage in economic and power dynamics since the colonial and pre-colonial eras. Their herding culture transcends being merely an occupation or a means of livelihood; it has evolved into a religion and a defining aspect of their culture. As they wake up each morning, their connection with the cattle becomes more familial than with their fellow humans. Although their love grows into toxicity, they tend to play favourites because such love is flesh-motivated. Yet, when it comes to their unwavering determination, even to the extent of risking their lives or taking another's life, this kind of commitment is akin to what Christianity advocates.
Exhortation: What should you know?
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13 New Living Translation (NLT)
Because of this great love, we should be willing to lay down our lives for one another. 1 John 3:16 The Passion Translation (TPT)
Watch this: Whenever these herders perceive a threat to their relationship with their cows, they are reactionarily violent, and they do so with no hesitation. Many times, such an expression of love could be born out of hate and vengeance. However, we have a more exemplary model of love—a kind of love that dispels fear (of judgment), hate, revenge, or bitterness. This type of love is unconcerned about personal sacrifices but prioritizes collective benefit in the end. Such love is exemplified in God. Beyond God serving as an illustration of perfect love, He epitomizes love itself.
And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. 1 John 4:17 New Living Translation (NLT)
The best classes on love were taught by God. The bible says:
But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. 1 Thessalonians 4:9 New King James Version (NKJV)
Edification: what you should do
How can we truly love as God commands or seeks that we do?
First, we look at the perfect example of love.
Next, we follow it.
What is the God-kind of love?
It is to hate evil
You who love the LORD, hate evil! Psalms 97:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
Hate is a strong word, and that is the level of detest that a God lover is meant to have towards evil.
It is to hate evil alongside pride, arrogance, corruption, and perverse talk.
Wisdom pours into you when you begin to hate every form of evil in your life, for that’s what worship and fearing God is all about. Then you will discover that your pompous pride and perverse speech are the very ways of wickedness that I hate!” Proverbs 8:13 The Passion Translation (TPT)
You must realize that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And all who revere God must love him.
Hating evil also entails not supporting it. Your stand against it must be diligently expressed. When people engage in perverse conversations, make an effort to excuse yourself from such situations or change the topic if you must be there. Demonstrate your hatred of evil by understanding that your words to others should be seasoned with grace. Avoid speaking to belittle others; instead, let people feel blessed by interacting with you. Steer clear of all forms of slander. Refrain from discussions that focus on others, especially criticizing their flaws behind their backs. Let your presence dispel wickedness.
In a world marked by hopelessness and anxiety, strive to be a source of hope and assurance. Gain a reputation as someone who refuses to endorse evil acts. To hate evil is to despise corruption at every level. Reject the idea of taking what does not rightfully belong to you at all stages of life.
Let your love life radiate through your moral integrity. Be the first to stand up for what you believe in. While some things may be lawful, not all edify. Focus on promoting only those principles that edify.
From 1 Corinthians 13:4–13, we are taught some timeless truths of love, and many of us get so carried away in life moments that we forget to apply them.
Love is large and incredibly patient.
Love is gentle and consistently kind to all.
It refuses to be jealous when a blessing comes to someone else.
Love does not brag about one’s achievements or inflate its own importance.
Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor.
Love is not easily irritated or quick to take offence.
Love joyfully celebrates honesty and finds no delight in what is wrong.
Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing in the best for others.
Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up.
Let our love be as real as it can get, without pretenses.
Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle. Romans 12:9-10 The Message (MSG)
Our life of love is obedience to God’s commandment
“Loving me empowers you to obey my commands… John 14:15 The Passion Translation (TPT)
To love is to be committed to promoting the affairs of God’s kingdom.
Celebrities appear to be the most successful brand influencers because of the influence they wield over the choices of their fans. Brands willingly pay large amounts to well-known figures for endorsing their products, even if these influencers are not users of such products. These influencers create the illusion of genuine endorsement, leading their devoted fans to unconsciously fall in love with the promoted products. I've witnessed instances where fans unconsciously support the actions of these celebrities, only to find themselves facing troubles later on. For instance, the evolution of fashion trends over the years can largely be attributed to celebrity influence.
This underscores the reality that the greatest influencers in a generation are often celebrities. Therefore, the Christian community must break free from limitations and actively work towards making the gospel more popular.
This kind of fan-celebrity love should show up in people who claim to be in love with God. Many Christians claim to love Christ but show little interest in the lifestyle that He endorsed while He was here on Earth, doing only the things that the Father wants.
So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. John 5:19 New Living Translation (NLT)
For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. John 6:38 New Living Translation (NLT)
How much of a fan was Jesus? He said he basically lived by fulfilling God’s will, calling it his food.
Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. John 4:34 KJV
What is this will that Jesus has come to do above all others?
And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 2 Corinthians 5:18 New Living Translation (NLT)
Jesus Christ did the ultimate job of kick-starting the reconciliation of man to God. His resurrection commenced the gathering of souls into the kingdom of light. As followers, we have adopted the job role of gathering; that is the only way we can show that we are on His side. There is no sitting on the fence.
He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. Luke 11:23 New King James Version (NKJV)
So just as the love of Christ for His Father was evident in His passionate approach to evangelism, our love must be evident likewise.
If you are therefore in the camp of God, under His “fan base”, you will be lost in the activities He influences—evangelism.
More like evangelism is making conscious attempt to promote God’s kingdom anywhere you find yourself, online or offline.
Comfort: Where you can find solace
God loves those who love
Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. John 14:23 New Living Translation (NLT)
And when God loves you…
…we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfil his designed purpose. For he knew all about us before we were born and he destined us from the beginning to share the likeness of his Son. This means the Son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like him. Having determined our destiny ahead of time, he called us to Himself and transferred his perfect righteousness to everyone he called. And those who possess the perfect righteousness he co-glorified with his Son! So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give. Who then would dare to accuse those whom God has chosen in love to be his? God himself is the judge who has issued his final verdict over them—“Not guilty!” Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand. So how could he possibly condemn us since he is continually praying for our triumph? Who could ever divorce us from the endless love of God’s Anointed One? Absolutely no one! For nothing in the universe has the power to diminish his love toward us. Troubles, pressures, and problems are unable to come between us and heaven’s love. What about persecutions, deprivations, dangers, and death threats? No, for they are all impotent to hinder omnipotent love. Romans 8:28-35 The Passion Translation (TPT)
This is why the Scriptures say: Things never discovered or heard of before, things beyond our ability to imagine — these are the many things God has in store for all his lovers. 1 Corinthians 2:9 The Passion Translation (TPT)
So listen carefully, my dear brothers and sisters, hasn’t God chosen the poor in the world’s eyes to be those who are rich in faith? And won’t they be the heirs of the kingdom realm he promised to those who love him? James 2:5 The Passion Translation (TPT)
2. You should also remain in love because you might unknowingly encounter your destiny helper.
Stay on good terms with each other, held together by love. Be ready with a meal or a bed when it’s needed. Why, some have extended hospitality to angels without ever knowing it! Hebrews 13:1-4 The Message (MSG)
Or like Joseph who reached out to a man in prison and the same man called Joseph’s name where it mattered the most.
When Joseph came to them in the morning and looked at them, [he saw that] they were sad and depressed. So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in confinement with him in his master’s house, “Why do you look so down-hearted today?” And they said to him, “We have [each] dreamed [distinct] dreams and there is no one to interpret them.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell me [your dreams].” Genesis 40:6-8 Amplified Bible (AMP)
The head cupbearer then spoke up and said to Pharaoh, “I just now remembered something—I’m sorry, I should have told you this long ago. Once when Pharaoh got angry with his servants, he locked me and the head baker in the house of the captain of the guard. We both had dreams on the same night, each dream with its own meaning. It so happened that there was a young Hebrew slave there with us; he belonged to the captain of the guard. We told him our dreams and he interpreted them for us, each dream separately. Things turned out just as he interpreted. I was returned to my position and the head baker was impaled.” Genesis 41:9-13 The Message (MSG)
Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since [your] God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and clear-headed and wise as you are. You shall have charge over my house, and all my people shall be governed according to your word and pay respect [to you with reverence, submission, and obedience]; only in [matters of] the throne will I be greater than you [in Egypt].” Genesis 41:39-40 Amplified Bible (AMP)
You can read more about God's love here
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