Pastor's Pen for 05/22/2018Jesus had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. (Matthew 9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Sheep NEED a Shepherd. Sheep love to wander. Sheep get lost. Sheep are weak. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned — every one — to his own way. (Isaiah 53)

Skipping church. Shutting our ears to the Word of God. Lusting, hating, lying, coveting, and gossiping. Outside the sheep pen danger abounds.

As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them…Declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed. (Ezekiel 34)

Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd. Jesus comes to seek and save the lost. Christ pulls you up from the pit of death.

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep....I lay down my life that I may take it up again. (John 10)

The Good Shepherd places you into the flock of His Church. Jesus tends His flock with His Word. Calling sinners to repentance. Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. (Luke 15)

The Sheep listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Sheep gather around God's Word to be fed with The Bread of Life. “Feed my lambs.”…“Tend my sheep.” (John 21)

Jesus tends His flock. By Christ’s wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2)

The Good Shepherd’s words from the Font – I baptize you in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. From the Altar – the Good Shepherd feeds His Sheep with His Body and Blood to eat and drink. God’s Word filling you with life and salvation.

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12)

Jesus sends Pastors (under-shepherds) of the Good Shepherd to preach God’s Word to His Sheep. Pastors are to teach God's Word in its truth and purity.

 

Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us LSB 711:1

Savior, like a shepherd lead us; Much we need Your tender care.

In Your pleasant pastures feed us, For our use Your fold prepare.

Blessèd Jesus, blessèd Jesus, You have bought us; we are Yours.

 

Happy receiving the care from your Good Shepherd tending His flock. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil. (Psalm 23)