Sheep

Grace and Peace to you! Good morning! Welcome to another unique online gathering. It’s not the same as being face to face, but at least you can see my face and for those of you I know, I’m picturing your faces right now. I can’t wait until we are able to safely be together again. Today being separated reminds us of how precious it is to be together. But we also remember we are all in the same situation. All dealing with the same uncertainties. All looking to the same savior. All gathered around our phones, our tablets, our computers, our TV’s.

Separated for now, we are coming before God in worship, so let’s really focus on him in these moments together. So turn off other sounds, gather everyone around. You can kneel, or fold your hands or stand. Do something the let your body know this is worship. And kids, maybe Azalia and Aziya and Charles III are out there today. Any other kids, we welcome you too! You are also an important part of our church family as always. We have lessons and videos for you to experience offline as well.

AT THIS TIME LETS SAY THE LORD’s PRAYER TOGETHER. THIS IS THE PRAYER JESUS TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES PROCLAIM SLIDE

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father we thank you today for life and health and peace. We love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today we have secured the rights to stream some specific songs, so let’s sing them together at this time:

PROCLAIM: WORSHIP SET AND NOW LET’S REVISIT THE CORE BELIEFS THAT CHRISTIANS HOLD IN COMMON ABOUT JESUS, THE APOSTLE’S CREED. LETS’ SAY IT TOGETHER. PROCLAIM: APOSTLE’s CREED

KERRY AND DAVE SHARE GREETINGS AT THIS TIME

PROCLAIM: VIDEO

PROCLAIM SLIDE: TITHES and OFFERINGS-your giving makes a big difference now more than ever as we not only stay strong but also change lives. On facebook and zoom and by phone we are discipling people. We need you to do your part by reaching out where you are to help and support neighbors and friends with needs. We want to empower you to serve your neighborhood. Take what you receive and multiply it where you live. Calls, texts, social media messages, videos of encouragement to kids and families and isolated friends and loved ones. Trips to the store so someone else doesn’t have to go. We also want to know about the needs you see that we could help fill in the days ahead. Some of you can serve as hosts on these platforms to encourage and chat with others during the livestream events. There are many ways you can serve. Right now your financial gift can help to empower all of these ministries as well. So please do what you can today. To give you can click the GIVE moment button there on church online or visit our website and click Give today.At this time we want to pray for our ministries and our world and Joy is going to come lead us at this time...

PROCLAIM: VIDEO PRAYER

PROCLAIM: GONZALES FAMILY VIDEO SONG BREATHE

John 10:1–10 NIV

“Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

What’s all this talk of Shepherds and Sheep?

So Jesus is squaring off in public with the Pharisees. They were sort of a political and religious group. They weren’t that different from evangelicals because they believed that everyone should follow God’s guidelines for living. On that we could agree with them. They were also trying to gain political influence. That was causing lots of issues: anxiety over how much favor they were gaining and losing based on how others were acting. That was one issue. Another was a temptation to go along to get along with the Romans. So we see that Jesus was making these guys nervous because he didn’t just blend in. Jesus stood out. Jesus had bold teaching talking about a new kingdom. Jesus was not seeking their approval; at least not in the ways they wanted him to do so. Here he is talking with men who would be influential leaders in society and he’s talking about the most common thing ever: a shepherd and some sheep…

Doesn’t he know there are bigger fish to fry? What’s going on?

John for Everyone, Part 1: Chapters 1–10 The Good Shepherd (John 10.1–10)

The answer is that in the Bible the picture of the shepherd with his sheep is frequently used to refer to the king and his people.

Hmmm, now it’s getting interesting… So maybe Jesus does understand what the Pharisees want and maybe he’s not making it easy for them. Jesus was cutting right through all the rhetoric but he was speaking a language everyone could understand. He wasn’t getting caught up in trying to win political favor, but he did care deeply about the people. He wanted to lead them. He wanted to love them and meet their needs. He comes right out and says it:

John 10:8 NIV

All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.

The people were not satisfied with their political leaders and their so-called powerful religious leaders. They were wanting a shepherd to truly care. Jesus did not pull punches. Lots of voices were claiming to speak for the people. But Jesus points out that they have a different kind of kingdom in mind. They are willing to act selfishly to get what they want. Jesus said he’s the door. He is the way in. Not personal freedom. Not political compromise. Not whatever it takes to get rid of an evil king. Jesus was motivated by love and that’s what made him the only true way, the only true leader...

How do we sort through the voices?

So here we are dealing with a world we wish had not been thrust upon us. Strong feelings are burning within. Some feel connected to those on the front line, those truly suffering while serving. They have passionate voices saying we need to do whatever safety calls for. Others think it’s economic suicide to keep the country shut down so long. They are passionate and crying out for more personal liberty. So how do we sort through these voices? Do we even try? Or do we just listen to our bias?

Human beings are really good at wanting their way. Then we find flowery language to camouflage personal desire. We dress it up. But it’s like putting a tuxedo on a Bassett Hound. Very serious to us! Kind of funny to anyone else who can plainly see it’s not all that glorious. Introverts wouldn’t mind if the lockdown continued until Jesus comes. Extroverts are losing their minds. People who can work from home or are retired may be fairly content. Those who lost their jobs are counting the days until they lose their homes.

But here’s the thing: we could open the country up 100% tomorrow but that won’t make jobs come back. Businesses can open up prematurely, but that doesn’t mean most people will come. Well for a haircut they just might, lol. And we could stay locked down forever, but even that won’t prevent this disease from continuing to cause suffering. So we can’t overreact in any direction or get complacent. It’s like trying to get in through a cracked window to an instantly better tomorrow, instead of waiting patiently for the true door to open at the right time.

All of these kinds of paths are trying to enter by some other way. Jesus holds up a standard for which leaders and voices we should listen to. Whatever we do should have love for our neighbor in view. So that means first of all caring for their physical well-being. But these stimulus checks and unemployment checks we haven’t paid for yet can only hold people so long so it is right and good to say let’s help people get back to work.

But the voices that are shouting and calling this a hoax are getting carried away. Just ask the doctors and nurses and the families and friends of those who have died. Some right here in our community have died. Some barely survived and lived to tell a tale that says: stay home for now until we know it’s safe. But also some are overreaching for power. Some on both sides of the aisle are using this moment to gain political talking points. This is tiresome. This is not love. The way forward is following the king of wise and loving leadership that Jesus taught us.

Listen for voices that sound more like him. Willing to stand up. But mostly seeking to save and to serve.

Abundant Life

Jesus said:

John 10:4 NIV

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

Don’t look down at your circumstances for too long. Jesus is on the move. His true sheep follow him because they know his voice. Now I’m familiar with sheep as a negative metaphor. As in, they’re just sheep. Easily led. And the person speaking thinks they have somehow denigrated someone by comparing them to sheep. But sheep are not as stupid as some people think. They get one thing right. They learn who they can trust. They would follow him anywhere but it’s not because their dumb. It’s because he’s never steered them wrong.

Jesus is a path, a way through life, not just a set of religious ideas. He is a way that leads to life. He is with you in green pastures. He leads you beside quiet waters to restore your soul. But then it’s eventually time to get moving again....

John 10:9–10 NIV

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

There is a time to come in. There is a time to go out. There is a time to find pasture in your own yard. But Jesus hasn’t just come for that. He has come that we may have life and have it to the full.

Do you know his voice?

So I think we’ve got a few more days and weeks here to find pasture and let God restore us and keep us safe. This is the time not to worry about the future but the trust God. Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroy.

But also begin thinking about how you will move on from the home-bound patterns that have brought you comfort in these days. I don’t think we’ve quite arrived at that time for many of us. Yet, when the shepherd makes it clear it’s time to go out again, we should follow his voice.

Do you know his voice this morning? It is a strong voice. It is a clear voice. It is a voice that cares first of all. Then it is a voice that calls and leads us on, ever forward...

If you’ve been on roller coaster ride and had a lot of confusing voices in your head in the last few days, it’s time to get off the ride. There’s really only one voice we need. There’s one door. The Bible says that Jesus is the path, the way to eternal life. And I just want to take a moment here to clarify something. I believe that Jesus is unique. He’s not just one of many paths. But I don’t think Jesus is tricky or sneaky or a bully. He wants everyone to enter in. He wants you to enter and find salvation. He’s not a bouncer trying to keep people out of heaven and checking ID’s for just the right information… Jesus is a bridge and a door and way. He’s hoping you find it. Everyone who makes it into the fullness of the kingdom arrives their because of his love and sacrifice.

Enter by the Door...

So do yourself a favor. Enter by the true Door. Stop listening to voices that just don’t measure up. Some of us are stubborn and we want to find our own way in. We waste a lot of time and have the scars to show for it. Jesus understands. He’s longsuffering and patient. When we stop trying to wiggle under the fence we will discover a grand entrance. A good shepherd. A clear strong gentle voice. A way to find pasture and a way forward.

It’s Jesus, so trust him today. If you’ve known him most of your life and followed him for many years, make sure you’re still on the path today. If you’ve followed from afar and never really humbled yourself and let him lead, confess your sins to him right now. Trust him to forgive you, heal you, and make a way forward for you. Commit to following him right now.

If you’re with us at fairmeadownaz.online.church go ahead and say hi in the chat. But more importantly, if you’re choosing to get right with Jesus today or choosing to follow him for the first time, click the moment button to raise your hand and put your trust in him. If you request prayer we will be happy to chat with you and follow up with you. Click the connect button and tell us how to get in touch and how we can help you take the next steps in your journey. We are so glad you’re with us today.

You can trust Jesus. Life isn’t easy and the path is sometimes steep, but he is a very good shepherd. He’s the best guide you will find.

Prayer:

Join us over on Zoom. Those of you who have been part of Sunday School and discipleship classes received an email this week on how to join us to take the discussion to another level. So check your email and click the link with the password and join us on Zoom as we share about how life has been going and talk about the wonders of the resurrection of Jesus in this Easter Season.

BENEDICTION