The Shepherd's Call: A Message of Unity and Sacrifice (06/23/'24) -Message

The Shepherd's Call: A Message of Unity and Sacrifice Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Today, we reflect on a profound truth found in the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and echoed by the Apostle Paul. It is a truth that calls us to a higher understanding, a deeper commitment, and a love that transcends all earthly bounds. Let us turn our hearts and minds to the Shepherd’s call. Who is the true Shepherd, who guards the sheep? Not the thieves nor the robbers who in shadows creep. Jesus declares, “Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.” Through Him, the flock finds safety, peace, and more. All who came before were but thieves, mere pretenders. But He, the Good Shepherd, is the true defender. The good shepherd gives His life, His love profound, for every sheep within His fold, His care unbound. In our world, there are many voices that claim to lead us, to protect us, and to guide us. Yet, these voices often lead us astray, leaving us vulnerable and lost. The hireling flees, for the sheep are not his own, but Jesus remains steadfast, for His love is shown. As the Father knows Him, and He knows the Father above, He lays down His life, a testament of love. They will hear His voice, one flock, one guide. In His embrace, they forever reside. This command He received from the Father’s hand: to gather and protect, to lead and to stand. The Apostle Paul captures the essence of this truth in his own words, “I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ.” Here, we see the kingdom's worth and the glory that shall be. From Luke to Matthew, Acts to Romans' light, we find our path in the Shepherd’s sight. So, dear friends, hear the Shepherd’s call, His voice clear and true. For in His care, a life renewed we pursue. One flock, one Shepherd, united in His grace, forever in His love, we find our place. The true Shepherd's voice resounds through the ages, calling us to a higher understanding, a deeper commitment, a love that transcends all earthly bounds. The shepherd’s call is not merely a call to follow but a call to transformation. It's a call to lay down our lives as He did, to recognize the surpassing value of knowing Him. The call invites us to shed our pretensions, our self-reliance, and to find our true selves in His care. In Him, we are gathered, protected, and led to a life that reflects the Shepherd’s own love and sacrifice. In the Shepherd’s voice, we find our guide, our protector, and our path. Through every trial and shadow, His light leads us. We are not just sheep in a fold, but beloved in His sight, chosen and cherished. His life laid down becomes the cornerstone of our faith, the beacon of our journey, and the assurance of our eternal home. The Shepherd’s call is the call to oneness, a unity in diversity, a singular flock under His divine care. It is in this unity that we find strength, in His love that we find peace, and in His sacrifice that we find life everlasting. Let us heed the Shepherd's call, let us follow His voice, and let us dwell in the safety of His eternal embrace. May we all strive to live out this call in our daily lives, laying down our own desires, and embracing the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Blessings in Christ, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 23, 2024)