Show Notes
In this fourth week of Eastertide, we reflect on how Christ, our good and patient shepherd, calls us to make the Gospel known to all.
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Episode Transcript
In this fourth week of Easter, we remember that the glorious gift of salvation offered through Jesus’ death and resurrection is not just a cause for our own celebration, but an impulse. An impulse to share the good news with those with whom we may strongly disagree.
A reading from Revelation, chapter seven, beginning in verse nine.
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”
Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”
I answered, “Sir, you know.”
And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore,
“they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
will shelter them with his presence.
‘Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the center of the throne
will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
Jesus warned us not to rush to judgment because we don’t always know why people do what they do. Just because someone acts grievously, it doesn’t necessarily mean their motive was evil. This is in no way to diminish the reality of sin, the damage it causes, and the need for repentance by its perpetrators. But at a time when political and cultural divisions on everything from public policy to morality have perhaps never been more pronounced. It’s incumbent on us to remember that as Isaiah 53:6 reminds us, we all like sheep have gone astray. We know that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Yes, there is evil in this world and some people do deliberately choose great wickedness, but many don’t set out to do wrong per se. They kind of wander into it. While sheep have great peripheral vision, they don’t see so well directly in front of them. So with noses down, chewing on grass, following their appetites, they can end up lost or caught in a thicket. Again, this in no way minimizes our culpability. But when you’re lost, you still need a rescuer, whatever the reason for your situation. We all have to own the decisions and choices we have made that have separated us from God. But remembering that those with whom we may vehemently disagree are not the enemy may temper the way we engage with them. Our sheep-like quality is why we need a good shepherd whose voice we recognize and follow, knowing we are safe and secure. Jesus taught that one day he will be the good shepherd of one flock that includes sheep from other folds. In other words, people from other groups not like us. As Paul reminded us in Ephesians 6, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces at work in the lives of those who today we have little in common with, but who may be future flock mates. In the light of that promise, let’s engage them in the public square with truth and tenderness.
From the Gospel of John Chapter 10, verses 22 through 30:
Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
A Prayer from Harvest Prayer Ministries:
Lord God Almighty, we pray for the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ Jesus, who is your very image to be made known to those who are lost. Draw them to yourself as we seek your face and ask that in your mercy you will move to remove whatever is blocking their minds to receive the Gospel. Let them see the futility of going their own way and the blessing of embracing the life-giving Savior. Show us how to help people draw closer to you. Amen.
And finally, a favorite, the 23rd Psalm:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
