Earthly Road, Heavenly Walk

Readings:

Psalm 9 Daniel 4:19-27 1 John 3:19-4:6 Luke 4:14-30

Sermon:

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

Test the Spirits…

Amidst our ranks, amidst our numbers there will always be false prophets, false teachers who take up the word of the Lord, the Gospel of Christ, and use it not as that liberating, binding force that frees us from our captivity to sin and offers us the freedom of the soul that comes through salvation but rather as a means to their own ends. Ambition, self interest, wealth, they guide the steps of those who walk down not a path of righteous but a road of iniquity seeking to manipulate the faithful to follow them for their purposes and their gratification.

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Each of us, we are sheep in the Shepherd’s flock, cared for by that Good Shepherd who loves us and protects us each and every step of the way, guiding us to a better path, a place where we are safe and secure, protected and guarded.

Yet, amidst the flock, there are thieves and wolves, seeking to steal us away, to lead us unto the slaughter, claiming that they are our Shepherd, that they know what is best for us and what we need. They use cunning words and clever strategy, claiming they speak for the Good Shepherd, yet while perverting His word, seeking to lure us away without even a second thought about it.

Each of us, we must be guided by the word, we must not give in to false doctrine or false teachers, we must seek God’s will and to walk in His path, to learn of Christ and to know the Spirit. This that we may be prepared for this false shepherd’s who serve not God’s way but their own.

Readings:

Psalm 128 Jeremiah 25:30-38 Romans 10:14-21 John 10:1-18

Sermon:

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:9

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives us our most beloved image of Him, that of the Good Shepherd, who is willing to lay down His life to protect His sheep. It is easy to picture Our Lord searching for the lost sheep, or carrying the injured lamb on His shoulders, bringing it safely home. We are reminded of other famous shepherds in the Bible: of Moses leading his flock to water in the desert before hearing the voice of God in the burning bush, or David killing the lion and the bear threatening his sheep. We are told in Psalm 23 that God Himself is our shepherd, leading us to good pasture and fresh water, His rod and staff defending us from attack.

We all know what a good shepherd looks like, and what he does, but what are the qualities of a good sheep? Not much is required, simply that they recognize the voice of their shepherd and follow him, not allowing themselves to be deceived by imposters.

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