Lent 4 reflection

 

 Lost and Found; getting what we don’t deserve.

Law/Gospel Theme: We all make mistakes. And because of that we should deserve consequences. When Jesus took our bad things on Himself, it allowed God to take the punishment away from us and let us have Heaven instead. We should give thanks for that and live to God’s glory because of the great things Jesus has done.

The message from Jesus today will speak of the Father’s amazing grace. We often “lose” when we sin. Yet God loves us enough to seek us out and let us “win”!

Today we will see that God gives us great things even though we have fallen short. That is what the good news of the Gospel is all about! Jesus reminds us that there is a dance party in heaven every time someone repents.

Prayer: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and although we deserve only punishment You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we heartily acknowledge your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Collect for Lent 4 Lutheran Service Book 

Hymn: Pg. 55 “Jesus Loves Me”

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone.

And so uphold us by Your Spirit. That we may live and serve you in newness of life. To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness. And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Luke 15:1-3 11-32

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: ….

11 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. 

¹² The younger one said to his father, Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. 

²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

²⁵ “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ²⁷ ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

²⁸ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 

³⁰ But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

³¹ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

Hymn: # 57 “Just As I Am”

In the gospel reading today. Jesus tells a story about two sons. He told this story because some people were quite upset with Jesus and his compassion for sinners.

And in this story both boys got what they did not deserve!

You see, the younger son in the story asked his Father for all his money. But then he ran away and wasted it. 

Well, this one did much worse things. He abandoned his family. But eventually, the money and fun times ran out.

And he realized he’d made some big mistakes. He thought he could make it and ignore his dad.

 

But finally he decided he needed to apologize and hope that he could accept punishment and just live like a servant. He didn’t think his dad would even let him back home as a son.

But did you hear what happened? Not only did his Father rejoice when he saw his wandering son. He even threw him a party and gave him special presents!

The Father was so happy to see His Son. It was like he hadn’t done anything wrong.

Now the older son. He’s still angry that the Fahe is always moved with compassion. He would not consider that his Father is merciful.

This may seem strange. Shouldn’t we be disciplined? Shouldn’t the guilty pay? Well, in a lot of ways they should… But the good news of the Bible is that even though we sin, God still lets us be part of His family.

This is what is called “grace.” We deserve the punishment that our sins have earned. But grace gives us positive rewards instead.

God loves us so much that He wants to find us no matter where we are or how far we stray.

Nothing can get us so far away from God that He won’t let us back in His arms. He let the death of Jesus cover over the things we do.

Jesus didn’t do anything wrong. So He didn’t deserve to die. But He took on the punishment for our sin. So that we could get the reward of His goodness. [1]

That hardly seems fair! But we can thank God that life is not always fair. Just like the Father in the story, God celebrates over us when we come to Him. Grace. - God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense - is all a part of the Father’s plan to bring us home with Him.

The gospel story of the waiting father reminds you that have a heavenly Father. Who yearns. Longs. And waits for the sinner to come home. There will always be a warm welcome waiting. When one returns. There will be no questions asked. There will be no scolding. – Only the joy of reconciliation. Still, the Father continues to show mercy.

In the open yet nail scared hands of the wounded Savior. You will find forgiveness and life. No matter what the past.

 

 

It shall be forgiven. And forgotten. That is mercy. Compassion. And pardon. Which the Savior has always promised.

Prayer: Thank you, LORD for your love and care. Thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for Jesus’ love and concern for us all and for His promise that He will never turn His back on us but will always be ready with His mercy and love.  

As the Lord has given us one another and we give thanks for God’s grace and mercy as we offer prayers on this day.

As the Lord has given us the beauty of worship and the gift of fellowship with one another. We thank you Lord for gathering us on this day.

As the Lord has given us neighbors, friends, families, and coworkers to share the joys and burdens of this life. We thank you Lord, for the privilege of loving others.

As the Lord has given us a promise that where He goes, He will prepare a place for us.

We thank you Lord for the gift of life and for giving us to one another for safekeeping. Bring us home when it is time. Lord in your grace, hear our prayer.

---

[1] Prodigal Son (Luke 15:1-3; 11-32) Children’s Sermon - Ministry To Children

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Proper 4 reflection

 

The Christian faith all boils down to two words. DO and DONE. Today we will sese that God’s love does not depend on what we do. But on what Jesus did. His death and resurrection was the ultimate act of obedience. He proved His authority by following through on His promises. When others make promises they cannot keep we can be thankful that Jesus will always keep His word. The Gospel reminds us that our faith relies on His work alone.

 

Holy God, faithful and unchanging: enlarge our minds with the knowledge of your truth, and draw us more deeply into the mystery of your love, that we may truly worship you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

HYMN #60 “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”

Confession/Absolution:

LORD - we pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins. Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father.

In Your compassion forgive us our sins. Known and unknown. Things done. And left undone. And so uphold us by Your Spirit.

That we may live and serve you in newness of life.

To the honor and glory of Your Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty God have mercy on you. Forgive you all your sins.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ. And may He strengthen you in all goodness.

And by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.

Mark 2:23-32

One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. The Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?”

 

He answered, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions.”

 

Then he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”

HYMN #61 “My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less”

Sometimes the people who make our laws get a little carried away and pass some very silly laws. I did some research and found some examples of some of the silliest laws I have ever heard of.

 

In Fairbanks, Alaska, it is illegal to serve alcohol to a moose. I wonder if it is legal to serve alcohol to a bear?

 

There is a city in Arizona where it is illegal to drive a car in reverse. So, how are you supposed to get out of your parking space at the mall?

 

There is a town in Minnesota where a woman can be arrested for impersonating Santa Claus. Hmm...I wonder if they can impersonate Mrs. Claus?

 

In Oklahoma, people who make ugly faces at dogs can be arrested and put in jail or fined. I wonder if a bulldog can get thrown in the pound for making ugly faces at people?

 

In Nicholas County, West Virginia, a preacher is not allowed to tell jokes from the pulpit. Uh-oh, I hope they don't think this MESSAGE is a joke!

 

In Morrisville, Pennsylvania, women need a permit to wear makeup. Oh my! And who are the makeup police?

 

I think you will all agree that those are some pretty silly laws. But this is nothing new. Even back in the day when Jesus lived, they had some pretty silly laws.

 

There was a group of religious leaders called the Pharisees who were keepers of the law of Moses and they believed that keeping the law was everything.

 

They also believed that their own understanding and teaching about the law was the only correct teaching.

 

Jesus was quite often opposed by the Pharisees and was accused of breaking the laws of Moses, especially the laws regarding the Sabbath.

 

Today's lesson tells us about two times that the Pharisees accused Jesus and his followers of violating the Sabbath.

 

Jesus said: "The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath."

 

Another time, Jesus went into the synagogue and noticed that there was a man who had a deformed hand. Since it was the Sabbath, some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus. So they watched to see if he would heal the man on the Sabbath. If so, they would accuse Jesus of working on the Sabbath.

 

Jesus said to the man with the deformed hand, "Come and stand in front of everyone." Then he turned toward his enemies and asked, "Does the law permit good deeds on the Sabbath, or is it a day for doing evil?" The Pharisees refused to answer him.

 

Jesus looked at them and was saddened at the hardness of their hearts. Then he said to the man, "Hold out your hand." He held out his hand and Jesus healed him. Immediately they left to go and meet with Herod to plot how to destroy Jesus.

 

The third commandments says, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."  Can you imagine a law so silly that you could not do a good thing like healing someone because it was the Sabbath?

 

Surely that was not what God meant. Each day is an opportunity for us to Love God and serve our neighbor. There should never be a law that keeps us from loving God by serving our neighbor. As St. Paul explains; “and if there is any other commandment, all are summed up in this saying, namely, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:9a-10

 

Dear Father, help us to be faithful in following the teaching we find in your Word. But also help us to follow the example of Jesus in loving and caring for others. Thank you for sending your son Jesus. He truly is who He says He is. Help us to be genuine in our actions. And to live out our love with one another. Thank you for your love and care. In Jesus' name we pray. [1]

The Collect for Purity Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name, through Christ our Lord. Amen

In peace let us pray to the LORD. Today we pray…

For all people in their daily life and work.

We pray -For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

We pray -For this community at Lincolnshire, the nation, and the world.

We pray -For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

We pray -For the just and proper use of your creation.

We pray -For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

We pray -For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble.

We pray -For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

We pray -For the peace and unity of the Church of God.

We pray -For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

We pray -For all who serve God in his Church.

We pray -For the special needs and concerns at this place... we ask you to hear us, Lord.

We pray -For your mercy is great. We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life... We will exalt you, O God our King; And praise your Name for ever and ever.

LORD, let your loving-kindness be upon them, who put their trust in you.

Direct us, O Lord, in all our actions by Your gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in Your name, we may glorify Your holy name and finally by Your mercy receive eternal life.

Visit, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep all harm and danger far from them.

Grant that we may dwell together in peace under Your protection, sharing eternally in Your blessings.

Lord God, You showed Your glory and led many to faith by the works of Your Son. As He brought gladness and healing to His people, grant us these same gifts, and lead us also to perfect faith in Him.

Almighty God, you sent your Son to proclaim your kingdom and to teach with authority. Anoint us with the power of your Spirit, that we, too, may bring good news to the afflicted, bind upon the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives.

Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit.

Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessing remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Luther’s Morning Prayer

We thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept us from all harm and danger; and we pray that You would keep us this day also from sin and every evil, that all our doing and life may please You. For into Your hands we commend ourselves, our body and soul, and all things. Let your Holy Spirit be with us, that the evil foe have no power over us.

As our Savior Christ has taught, we are bold to pray: 

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done.
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.

Go and live a deeper life in Christ. A more holy communion with one another. And a greater love for the world.

The Blessing of God; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be with you all.

---

[1] https://sermons4kids.com/sermons/jesus-and-the-sabbath

Transfiguration

 

Transfiguration
Mark 9:2-9

In our Gospel lesson for today we heard that Jesus went up a mountain with a few of his disciples.

While he was at the top of the mountain, he spent some time praying and while he was praying, his clothes were dazzling white, like they were shining.

It's almost like he turned into a light bulb. Kind of cool, right?

But did you hear what the disciples thought about it?

That's right -- they were afraid about what was happening.

Even though the disciples knew Jesus, once Jesus started to light up, it really scared them.

They were so scared by what they were seeing that they didn't know what to say or do.

Then, the disciples were reminded by God that even when they were afraid, they were supposed to listen to Jesus.

That same reminder is true for us, too.

Today’s story reminds us that when we are frightened, we are to keep listening to what Jesus taught and spoke.

When we are challenged, Jesus’ words will help us know how to face our fear and act, even when we’re afraid.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up onto a mountain to pray. As these disciples watched in awe, Jesus was transfigured. As His appearance changed. 

His face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. 

Even more incredible, Jesus was joined by the long-dead Moses and Elijah. From a cloud that enveloped them all, the voice of the Lord affirms that this is his Son and they should listen to Him.

Transfiguration means “transformed”. Jesus was transformed into a glorious image in which his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. This image was nothing like Peter, James, and John had ever seen before. It showed them that Jesus truly was from God.

Moses and Elijah would have been two of the greatest Jews that had ever lived. For Jesus to stand with them showed his importance.

Moses received the Law and brought it to the people.   In fact, his face also glowed then, after he had spent time with God on Mt. Sanai

On a mountain, (Moses) with the Law  and (Elijah) as the great prophet, the voice of the Lord came from a bright cloud to announce that Jesus was above all.  

The Lord said that Jesus, his Son, had new words to say. The Lord told the disciples to “Listen to Him.”

Peter wanted to build shelters for Moses, Elijah and Jesus. 

Maybe he wanted to make a place like the tabernacle in the Old Testament. Or perhaps he wanted them to stay for a while. 

Peter never forgot this event. He wrote about it later in his life. Peter reminds his readers that he, himself, witnessed the glory of Jesus and even heard the voice of the Lord confirm his Son’s words. 

The Transfiguration of Christ was a remarkable event that carried significance in multiple ways. 

The Transfiguration demonstrated God’s glory and showed who Jesus was. 

It also revealed to the disciples, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they were putting their faith in the true Son of God.  

We are reminded that we can trust in God’s power and know who Jesus is.

These three. Peter. James. and John. May have been hoping for some proof to be sure they were following the right person.  Placing their trust in something genuine. 

On that mountain, though, the disciples got some amazing proof. Right before their eyes. 

Jesus changed. His clothes became super white, and Elijah and Moses showed up. 

As a cloud came over them, and a voice announced: “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” That had to be pretty clear and obvious. 

If Peter, James, and John didn’t know for sure before, they certainly did then. They heard God announce that Jesus was His son, and command that they listen to Him! 

That must have been quite an amazing experience.

What about us? We appreciate who Jesus is. And we know that He went to the cross and rose again for us.  

At the same time, though, sometimes we want proof. Sometimes we wish that we had facts and evidence to support our faith. 

We don’t have the experience of hearing God’s voice speak out loud. Or seeing Jesus in the clouds. We have some great evidence all around us, as we see the mighty work of God’s hands. 

We trust what the Bible tells us. Our hope is in the right person. Jesus our Savior.  

Jesus said that we are blessed when we believe in Him. Even without seeing Him with our eyes. Ultimately, we return to the truth of Scripture. Jesus is God’s son, and we listen to Him when we read His word, pray, and come to church. 

Jesus is the true son of God. He lived and died for us. Although we may not see Him with our eyes or hear His voice, we can trust in the work that Christ did, and know that He is our savior and redeemer. Believing in the Bible reminds us of His power and authenticity. 

We give thanks for His life. And we can ask God to help us continue in our faith and understanding. Why don’t we do that now?

Prayer: 

LORD, Thank you for the truth of your Word. Help us to trust in that Word. And to keep our faith in you. Even when we can’t feel or see you. Thank you for taking care of us. Thank you for Jesus. In His name, Amen!

Words - 940
Passive Sentences – 8.2%
.Readability -84.1%
Reading Leve -4.2

https://missionbibleclass.org/new-testament/part1/life-of-christ-middle/transfiguration/ 

Luther's Seal copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things

Psalm 23:2 - The Good Shepherd who provides for you

 

Psalm 23:2
The Good Shepherd who provides for you.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. (KJV)

At the cross on Calvary’s hill. The Son of God. Jesus Christ. Was suspended between earth and heaven. There. He bore the sins of the entire earth in His body. He carried your sins on His own back. That you might have salvation and life. Here we see how the Good Shepherd gives His life for you. David speaks to us reminding us: “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

A good shepherd leads his sheep to calm. Clean water. As a good shepherd. The Lord guided David to green pasture. That is, He provided well for David. Giving him abundance. Rest. And peace. Jesus. The Good Shepherd. Provides all this care for His own.

David writes that the Lord provides rest in green pastures. And guides him to still waters. Shepherds in biblical times did not "drive" their sheep. Instead of pushing the herd from behind. They walked ahead of the flock, which followed. The land of Israel did not have plentiful, verdant pastureland - Except in the rainy season. 

Shepherds needed to guide their sheep to green pasture. Otherwise. The sheep would go hungry.

Sheep will not drink from a rushing stream. Nor will they instinctively seek out clean water. —They are prone to drinking whatever is nearby. A good shepherd leads his sheep to calm, clean water.

As a good shepherd, the Lord guided David to green pasture. He provided well for David. Giving him abundance. Rest. And peace. Jesus. The Good Shepherd. Provides all this care for His own. He gives us rest. Abundance. And peace.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2

He supplies the needs of our souls. He gives us the food of the Word of God. Strengthens us with His grace. And makes us find our rest in Him.

Just as a shepherd knows his sheep by name. So your Good Shepherd knows you personally. And calls you by name. “And the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name. And leads them out.” (John 10:3). We should be quick to heed His call. And follow Him!

“He leads me beside the still waters.”  He refreshes you when you are weary. Revives your heart by His promises. Cheers you by His presence. Gives you His Holy Spirit. And enables you to rejoice in His salvation.

Amidst all trials and troubles. He comforts you and gives us fresh hope.

Some may say, “Why should I have trouble at all? Why does the good Shepherd send me anything besides comfort and pleasure? Why am I poor. Or sad. Or sick?”

The sheep do not choose their own pasture. – The shepherd chooses for them. In the same way. The disciple does not choose his own lot in life. – It is appointed for him. His Shepherd knows best what is good for him. The best is not always what is the most pleasant now. – But what is most profitable in the end.

Our Shepherd sometimes leads us through what seem to us dry and stony places. – But they lead to the Heavenly pastures! And even along the way. He feeds us and comforts us with all a shepherd’s care. Never is our Shepherd nearer to us than when we are in need or danger.

Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish–ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand!” John 10:27-28

There is a great benefit in being in the Savior’s presence. Remember. The LORD is with you. 

And that He will take care of you. But what about tomorrow? As we look to the future. We can expect the benefit of the Savior’s mercy and care. Especially when we need it the most.

We lie down in security – “Come unto Me...” Jesus has told us, “...all ye that are weary...” Wearied by the troubles and burdens of life. “Come unto Me... all who are heavy-laden...” Heavy laden with the guilt and burdens of sin. Yet He does not leave you to flounder alone. He provides for whatever you need, In this life. And especially in the life which is to come.

“Come unto Me...” the Good Shepherd has said, “...and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light." Matthew 11:28-30 He will supply you with all that we will ever need for your soul. “It is well; it is well, with my soul.” He alone will lead to the quiet waters. which gives you the Father’s peace.

Words- 835
Passive Sentences -0.8%
Readability –89.2%
Reading Level – 2.5 

Image copyright Ed Riojas Higher Things

Psalm 23;1 The Good Shepherd who shares His life with you.

Psalm 23:1 

The days are getting shorter.  The Church Year is ending. You need not be frightened by the promise of the Lord’s Second Advent and of His coming. He will guard and keep you. He will shelter you. And preserve your life. This promise is for you!

Jesus entered this world. To live a perfect life for you. He bore your sin as His own. All the way to the blessed cross. To die in your place. And then victoriously rise from the dead.  On the third day.

He has promised to walk with you. Remember His last five words. “I am with you always.” -Matthew 28 He is your good shepherd.

One of the most dearly loved Psalms - in the entire book of Psalms - is Psalm 23. The Shepherd’s Psalm.

David shows us the secret of a happy life. More than money. Riches. Honor. Or fame. David points to us the Good Shepherd. Who shares His life with you. He says in verse 1: “The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want.”

1.  The Lord is my Shepherd. David speaks of the great care that God takes for you. He is your shepherd. And you may call Him so. There was a time when David was himself a shepherd. He was taken from following the ewe’s great with young.

“He also chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; From the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him, to shepherd Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance.” (Ps. 78:70-71)

David knew by experience the cares and tender affections of a good shepherd towards his flock. 

David remembered what needs sheep had of a shepherd. He knew what kindness it was to them. To have a true shepherd that was skillful and faithful. He even once risked his life to rescue a lamb.

Our Savior refers to Himself as a good shepherd when He says, “I am the shepherd of the sheep; the good shepherd.” (John. 10:11). He is the shepherd of Israel, “Oh, give ear, Shepherd of Israel, Thou who dost lead Joseph like a flock; Thou who art enthroned {above} the cherubim, shine forth!” (Psalm 80:1), 

He is the shepherd of every believer. He knows you. He cares for you. “Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, in His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry {them} in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing {ewes.}” (Isaiah. 40:11).

We are sheep who have gone astray. Lost in the rebellion of sin. We have become wayward sheep. Isaiah the prophet explains in Isaiah 53:6 “All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.”

As the Good Shepherd Jesus rescues the sheep. He takes them into His fold. And then takes care of them. Protects them. And provides for them. With more care and devotion than any shepherd can. He makes it his business to keep the flock.  Thus, we pray: “Into Thy hands I commend myself {placing} my body and soul and all things into Your care...”                                

Transition: If Jesus is as a shepherd to us. We must be His sheep. Inoffensive. Meek. And quiet. Silent before the sharers. Yes, and before the butcher too. 

But you know the shepherd's voice. And you follow him. Thus, you can say.

2. “I shall not want” David speaks of the great confidence. Which believers have in the Good Shepherd: "If the Lord is my shepherd. My feeder. I must conclude I shall not want. Anything and everything that is really necessary and good for me. He will provide."

Sheep cannot do one thing to provide for themselves. They need a shepherd. Who will provide for them. Of themselves, they can do nothing. They are lost. Confused. And would soon be destroyed without Him. Thus, the Good Shepherd will provide all that you need to support your body and life. Physical but especially spiritual necessities.

When you consider that Jesus is your shepherd. You can boldly say, “I shall not want!” You need not fear. 

You don’t have to worry about starving; Jesus upon finding you supplies all your needs. You have Him as our feeder.  

Not only can David say: “I shall not want”, but also, "I shall be supplied with whatever I need. If I don’t have everything I desire. I may conclude it is either not fit for me or not good for me currently. Or I shall have it in due time."

David, a king of his own right acknowledges that the Lord is his Shepherd-King. Jesus. Who suffered and died on Calvary’s cross, has become your good shepherd.  You need not worry about being in want. To the contrary. You will enjoy goodness and mercy each day of your life. So, walk with the Good Shepherd. - He guides and directs your path.

Word – 855
Passive Sentences -2,8%
Reading Ease – 87.2%
Grade Level – 2.8

Image: Ed Riojas, copyright Higher Things