Where are the shepherds? If the events that we're witnessing in Europe and the Middle East are, in fact, the fulfillments of Bible prophecy, where are the shepherds? Are they really so blind that they don't see it? Or, worse yet, have they fled and left us alone to tend for ourselves?

So many times over these last few years I've asked that question, "Where is everyone?" And, every time I ask, the answer I get always seems as elusive to me as the question. Why is this? Think about it: If there are facts on the ground sufficient enough for Hal Lindsey to even make mention of them on his television show, where is everyone on this news? Why is there so much silence coming from our evangelical leaders?

This morning's Bible time may have provided a possible answer. The sad fact is, we live in a day when not all who claim the Name of our Lord, and hold His doctrine, have really ever come to know Him as they should. In fact, some may even be secretly on the side of our spiritual enemies. They know how to appear and sound spiritual, but, on the inside, their concern is for themselves and not God's people.

As you know, our Lord isn't like that. He is the Good Shepherd who gave Himself up for us. Although He was without sin and the Prince of this world had no authority over Him, Jesus willingly allowed Himself to suffer and be killed so that we could live. He did that for us.

Today is Easter. This is the day we celebrate our Lord's victory over the grave. The wonderful thing is, if we believe and place our trust in Him, His victory becomes our victory. It was for us -- to pay the price for our sins -- that He willingly died on the cross. Now, if we will believe in Him, we can live in Him. We can experience that active new life that flows from the very throne of God.

After His resurrection, early one morning, Jesus appeared to His disciples (John 21:15-17). They had been fishing all night without any luck. Jesus told them where to cast their net. When they obeyed, they caught so many fish it almost broke their net. After a fish breakfast, Jesus turned to Peter and said:

"Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?"

Peter answered: "Yes Lord, you know that I love you."

Jesus said: "Tend My lambs."

Jesus asked Peter the same question a second time. Again, Peter answered affirmatively.

This time Jesus said, "Shepherd My sheep."

Then, Jesus asked Peter that question for a third time. Here, the Scripture says, Peter became grieved. Peter said:

"Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."

In my mind, I can see Jesus and Peter looking deeply into each other's eyes. Jesus said to Peter:

"Tend My lambs."

Fortunately for us, Peter did exactly what Jesus said -- he took care of Jesus' sheep. In fact, just as Jesus foretold, by so doing, it ultimately cost Peter his physical life.

One of the things that has always struck me about this encounter was Jesus' opening question. He asked Peter, "Do you love Me more than these?" I have often wondered what Jesus meant. What were the "these" that Jesus was refering to? Now, this morning, I think I may know.

You see, the disciples had just caught a large amount of fish and finished a fish breakfast. I believe Jesus' words had special meaning for His disciples. The disciples immediately recalled how it had all begun, at the same place, when Jesus said, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19).

What I believe Jesus was asking Peter was, do you love Me even more than the ministry that I have, and will, be giving you? You see, if our ministry becomes more important to us than Jesus, when the wolf comes, we may run away instead of standing firm for His sheep.

It's a sad day when the shepherds flee.