Sermon 2/10/13: John 10

Sermon Blog 2/10/13: John 10 

The Good Shepherd is a story about the hospitality of God: He allows us entrance into His presence, keeps us safe, provides for our needs and nurtures us.  He calls us by name, knows our voice and lovingly guides us throughout our lives.  He protects us from those who say there are other ways to Him, warns us and when we wander off, forgives us and welcomes us back into the fold.  He gives us abundant lives and life eternal, all while, through Christ's example, models the hospitality and leadership we are created for; total self giving. 

Abundant life is a gift  purchased at great cost and the criteria for true leadership as distinguished from false - the good shepherd or false leaders, thieves and robbers.  False leaders destroy and abandon, The Good Shepherd knows his sheep and his sheep know him.  They participate in a mutual knowing, like that of the Father and the Son.  It is the kind of knowledge that is only present in total self giving which is the life of God.  The Father gives his Son for the life of the world; the Son gives back his life to the Father and the glory of God is revealed to the world.... this is true shepherding, true leadership; one focus for the unity of mankind.  Ultimate hospitality played out between heaven and earth.  

We may ask then; for what purpose has God called me?  The answer is clear.  It is in order that I may be a witness.   "You did not choose me but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit" (15:16).   The light has come into the world not to expose the darkness but to banish it.  We only begin to understand the world as we are involved in changing it... hospitality, total self giving, shepherding His flock; that is the Christians call - the hospitality of God to one another. 

Love and Blessings, P. Christine