I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 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. (Ezekiel 34)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Sheep need a Shepherd. Sheep tend to wander. Sheep get lost. There is a pack of ferocious wolves hunting the sheep. Separated from Christ, they are easy prey. 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, lying, coveting, gossiping and the evil that is in our hearts.
Thanks be to God for the Good Shepherd. Jesus seeks wandering sheep. Jesus pulls you up from the pit of death. Jesus snatches you from the jaws of the wolf.
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. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. (John 10)
The Good Shepherd places you into the flock of His Church. Jesus tends His flock with His living 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)
Sheep listen to the voice of the Good Shepherd. Sheep gather around the Shepherd to feed on God's Word ringing in their ears. The Good News of the Gospel. Jesus saving sinners.
Jesus bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his 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)
From the Altar the Good Shepherd feeds His Sheep with His Body and Blood to eat and drink. In Holy Absolution – I forgive you all your sin – by Christ’s passionate death and glorious resurrection. The Words of your Good Shepherd forgive your sin. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. (Psalm 23)
Your Pastors are under-shepherds to the Good Shepherd. Your Pastors are to teach God's Word in its truth and purity. “The one who hears you hears me." (Luke 10) Jesus tending His flock by His Word.
“Lord; you know that I love you.” “Feed my lambs.”… “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said, “Tend my sheep.” (John 21)
Happy hearing the Good Shepherd’s Voice. Sheep washed in the Blood of Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.