Message: Echoes of the Shepherd’s Call (06/29/'24)

Message: Echoes of the Shepherd’s Call (Compassion in Action: Seeking the Lost) Brothers and sisters in Christ, Today, I want to speak to you about a matter that weighs heavily on my heart—a matter that calls us to action, compassion, and a renewal of our faith. Nearly 60% of the homeless in our society are baptized Christians, lost sheep wandering in a wilderness of despair. Their stories resonate in the quiet corners of our cities, echoing the silent cry of the forsaken. We live in a time where lawlessness spreads like a shadow, casting a chill that seeps into the hearts of many. As the world spins faster, hearts grow colder, and the ties that bind us together weaken. We witness the fading of hope in the lives of those around us—lost coins forgotten in the dust of neglect, lost sheep wandering in the wilderness of despair, and lost children whose dreams dissolve into the rust of reality. These images are not just stories from ancient parables; they are the living reality of our time. The parables of old come alive before our eyes, painting a vivid picture of a world in desperate need of a shepherd's touch. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, there is a whisper of hope that persists—a whisper that calls us to be the hands and feet of Christ in our world today. The voice of the shepherd, soft yet unwavering, calls out to the lost and broken. In every storm, in every drop of rain, He seeks the lost, His love a beacon in the vast night. Each soul adrift, each heart grown cold, finds solace in the promise of redemption. For in the parable lies a profound plea: to seek the lost, to guide them, to hold them close. With hearts ablaze and love unfurled, we are called to bring them home, to set them free from the chains of desolation. Every lost sheep is a testament to God's unyielding love, a reminder of His boundless grace. So let us rise, with compassion as our guide, and embark on the journey to find the lost and the broken. Let us be the light in the darkness, the warmth in the cold, and the voice of love that calls out to the wandering souls. For in seeking the lost, we find our own redemption, and in guiding them home, we discover the true essence of our faith. Let us remember that every act of kindness, every gesture of love, and every step we take towards the lost is a step towards embodying the heart of Christ. Together, let us answer the shepherd's call and be the instruments of His grace in a world that so desperately needs it. Amen. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 29, 2024)