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| The Good Shepherd's Flock |
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Dear Flock of the Good Shepherd,
Some things don't work out. As a student in Junior High School (a hundred years ago), algebra never worked out for me. Mr. Bertoni, along with a tutor and an afterschool group, tried to get me through a basic algebra class. The teacher would go through the exercise, I would pay attention (as much as I was able) and then he'd work out the problem and have a different answer than me. It never worked out. Tests were miserable because I thought I had the numbers right and then I'd get my test back with a ton of red ink and a big fat "C" on the top. My parents weren't pleased.
God's numbers sometimes drive me nuts. Noah's ark was filled two by two. The earth was created in 6 days. There were 12 disciples. OK, those are relatively easy. What about the math in Luke 15? Jesus talks about having 100 sheep and losing 1 and then leaving the 99 and going after 1. Just 1 wayward wandering sheep! Why leave 99 when you are so close to having them all. Isn't 1 an insignificant number? The numbers don't add up. Just let the one go and say forget it. That makes sense.
But the Good Shepherd deals in wholeness. He isn't happy because he wants the 100. Missing 1 isn't acceptable to him. He knows those 100 sheep. He counts those 100 sheep. He knows exactly which 1 is missing. By name He knows that 1 sheep. So He goes, into the little cracks and crevices where wandering sheep go. Just looking for 1, He goes. Into dark valleys and through freezing streams, He goes. Using His staff He shoos away the wolf and draws that lamb unto Himself.
Luke writes, "And when he finds it [the sheep] he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, "Rejoice with me: I have found my lost sheep." Do you want to rejoice over the things that heaven rejoices in? Do you want to find out what makes God's heart beat faster? Then look on the horizon for a lost sheep on the way to the fold. Look for a prodigal son returning as the sun sets and be reminded that the math always works when it comes to God's plan. He wants the whole big round 100. So He pursues!
A special note to those of us with our own lost sheep . . . keep your eyes peeled, your heart open and the bridges intact. Those sheep have a way of being led home. Make sure home is warm and welcoming. Greet the lost sheep with acceptance and joy, rather than condemnation and condescension.
And a special note to the lost sheep . . . you may by chance find this little piece of spiritual food --- our Lord Jesus won't stop, He won't quit, He won't cease, He won't be frustrated. Your guilt He can take away. Your shame He can cover. There's nothing that can keep him from you. So thorough, so deep and so attracting is the gift of Jesus.
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Please keep Pastor and Mrs. Greg Seltz in your prayers. Pastor Seltz was called to serve as the speaker of the International Lutheran Hour Ministries and he is prayerfully considering this Call. This would make him the voice and face of Lutheranism worldwide. What a privilege it has been to hear him preach God's Word so frequently!
Worship Notes for September 11-12
Theme - Finding My Identity Ezekiel 37:1-14
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 10:7-10
Our thoughts are focused on the text from Ephesians 2:1-10. This text gets us thinking about who we are and where our identity is focused. We need to step around identity found in other's expectations, our own inner turmoil and our failure to thrive. Jesus delivers identity that supersedes that in us and that which others project upon us. He calls us His children. Get ready to rock!
Prayer...Lord Jesus search me and know me, then love me as You will. Show me then, my Savior, how to love me... as You love me. AMEN
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Announcements:
The coffee in the Courtyard tastes different...after a number of years of basic Lutheran Coffee, fine people have negotiated to get Dietrich's coffee for us. Diedrich's Coffee is available at the coffee carts in the Courtyard. Please come and hang out! The Courtyard Project is almost completed and we look forward to finishing strong.
MOPS [Mothers of Preschoolers] is beginning September 23rd at 8:30 a.m. This fine group of moms gather together to learn and grow together. If you would like to be a part of this group and need more information, please contact Sarah Grack at sgrack@socal.rr.com
Our Concert Series kicks off a new season with a Bach Cantata Vespers Concert for this Sunday, Sept 12, at 7:00 p.m. Cathedral Singers, Soloists, Orchestra, and Organ present Bach's cantata, "If thou but trust in God to guide thee". Pastor Greg Seltz leads the service and delivers the meditation.
Men's Retreat is on for October 8-10. We will be at Tahquitz Pines in the forest near Idyllwild. It's a great joy and lots of fun to meet new guys. You don't have to be a member to attend. Just come and hang out. More information here
This week is one of those weeks that it's great to get a new start at weekly worship. New sermon series, new music, new season, new opportunity. Come sneak in and hear the Good Shepherd's voice! |
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Last Published: September 10, 2010 3:13 PM
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