Embracing Our Eternal Need for the Great Shepherd

Devotional

Day 1: Our Eternal Design for Shepherding

We are designed to be sheep in need of a shepherd, not just temporarily but eternally. This need is not a weakness but a divine design that points us to our dependency on Christ, who is the perfect Shepherd. Our souls are created to be shepherded by Him, and this relationship is central to our spiritual journey. The metaphor of sheep and shepherd is a profound truth that applies to every human being, regardless of status or position. It is a reminder that we are always in need of guidance, care, and protection from the Shepherd. This eternal need is a testament to the divine design that God has placed within us, pointing us to our dependency on Christ. [03:34]

Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel scattered or lost? How can you invite Jesus, the Great Shepherd, to guide you back to His path today?

Day 2: Salvation as Our True Homecoming

Salvation is described as a homecoming to the Shepherd of our souls. It is a return to the divine design where our souls find rest and guidance under Christ's care. This relationship is transformative, equipping us to live according to God's will. The Apostle Peter emphasizes that our souls are created to be shepherded by Christ, and this homecoming is not just about being led but also about being transformed and equipped to do God's will. The resurrection of Jesus ensures that He is a living Shepherd, actively working in us to fulfill His purposes. [05:42]

1 Peter 2:25 (ESV): "For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did returning to Him change your perspective and actions? What steps can you take today to ensure you remain close to the Shepherd?

Day 3: The Unfailing Shepherd

Despite the failures of human leaders, Jesus remains the perfect Shepherd. He never fails, forsakes, or falters. His resurrection ensures that He is a living Shepherd, actively working in us to fulfill His purposes and equip us for His will. While human shepherds may fail, Jesus is trustworthy and perfect in His guidance. He equips us with everything we need to do His will and works within us to produce what is pleasing to Him. This divine shepherding is designed to bring glory to God, as we remain sheep under His care, receiving His love, protection, and guidance. [14:57]

Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: Consider a leader or mentor who has let you down. How can you shift your focus from human leaders to Jesus, the perfect Shepherd, and trust Him to guide you?

Day 4: Equipped for God's Will

Jesus, as our Shepherd, equips us with everything we need to do His will. This equipping is not about worldly success but about fulfilling God's purposes. He also works within us to produce what is pleasing to Him, ensuring our spiritual growth and perseverance. The divine equipping and transformation that Jesus provides are designed to align us with God's will and purposes. This process is not about achieving worldly success but about growing spiritually and fulfilling the divine purposes that God has for us. [27:50]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you feel unequipped to follow God's will. What resources or steps can you take to allow Jesus to equip you in this area?

Day 5: Bringing Glory to the Shepherd

Our eternal role as sheep is designed to bring glory to our Shepherd. We find joy in His care and provision, and He receives the glory as our protector, provider, and guide. This relationship is a testament to His greatness and our joy in being loved by Him. The reason we remain sheep forever is to bring glory to our Shepherd. Our role is not to shepherd Jesus but to be shepherded by Him, finding joy in His care and provision. This eternal relationship is a testament to His glory and our joy in being loved and led by the greatest Shepherd. [39:20]

Psalm 79:13 (ESV): "But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise."

Reflection: How can you actively bring glory to Jesus in your daily life? What specific actions can you take today to show gratitude for His guidance and care?

Sermon Summary

In this message, I explored the profound truth that we are all sheep in need of a shepherd, a role that Jesus Christ fulfills as the Great Shepherd. This metaphor of sheep and shepherd is not just a temporary phase of our spiritual journey but an eternal reality. From presidents to business moguls, every human being is designed to be a sheep, always in need of guidance, care, and protection from the Shepherd. This need for a shepherd is not a sign of weakness but a divine design that points us to our dependency on Christ, who is more than capable of leading us through life and into eternity.

The Apostle Peter describes salvation as a homecoming to the Shepherd of our souls, emphasizing that our souls are created to be shepherded by Christ. This relationship is not just about being led but also about being transformed and equipped to do God's will. The resurrection of Jesus ensures that He is a living Shepherd, actively working in us to fulfill His purposes. Despite the failures of human shepherds, Jesus remains the perfect Shepherd who never fails, never forsakes, and never falters.

The message also addressed the disillusionment many feel due to the failures of human leaders. While human shepherds may fail, Jesus, the Great Shepherd, is perfect and trustworthy. He equips us with everything we need to do His will and works within us to produce what is pleasing to Him. This divine shepherding is designed to bring glory to God, as we remain sheep under His care, receiving His love, protection, and guidance.

Ultimately, the reason we remain sheep forever is to bring glory to our Shepherd. Our role is not to shepherd Jesus but to be shepherded by Him, finding joy in His care and provision. This eternal relationship is a testament to His glory and our joy in being loved and led by the greatest Shepherd.

Key Takeaways

1. Eternal Need for a Shepherd: We are designed to be sheep in need of a shepherd, not just temporarily but eternally. This need is not a weakness but a divine design that points us to our dependency on Christ, who is the perfect Shepherd. Our souls are created to be shepherded by Him, and this relationship is central to our spiritual journey. [03:34]
2. Salvation as Homecoming: Salvation is described as a homecoming to the Shepherd of our souls. It is a return to the divine design where our souls find rest and guidance under Christ's care. This relationship is transformative, equipping us to live according to God's will. [05:42]
3. Christ as the Perfect Shepherd: Despite the failures of human leaders, Jesus remains the perfect Shepherd. He never fails, forsakes, or falters. His resurrection ensures that He is a living Shepherd, actively working in us to fulfill His purposes and equip us for His will. [14:57]
4. Divine Equipping and Transformation: Jesus, as our Shepherd, equips us with everything we need to do His will. This equipping is not about worldly success but about fulfilling God's purposes. He also works within us to produce what is pleasing to Him, ensuring our spiritual growth and perseverance. [27:50]
5. Glory to the Shepherd: Our eternal role as sheep is designed to bring glory to our Shepherd. We find joy in His care and provision, and He receives the glory as our protector, provider, and guide. This relationship is a testament to His greatness and our joy in being loved by Him. [39:20]
** [39:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:33] - Sheep in Need of a Shepherd
[03:34] - More Than Sheep, Children of God
[05:08] - Salvation as Homecoming
[06:08] - The Greatness of the Human Soul
[07:33] - The Chief Shepherd's Return
[08:59] - Eternal Shepherding
[10:18] - Four Key Questions
[11:49] - Who is the Great Shepherd?
[14:57] - Christ's Perfect Shepherding
[19:55] - How Can He Shepherd Us Today?
[25:08] - Equipping for God's Will
[30:29] - Internal Transformation
[37:20] - Why We Remain Sheep
[39:20] - Glory to the Shepherd

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1 Peter 2:24-25 - "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."
John 10:14-16 - "I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."
Revelation 7:16-17 - "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Observation Questions:

According to 1 Peter 2:24-25, what is the significance of Jesus bearing our sins, and how does this relate to our need for a shepherd? [05:08]
In John 10:14-16, how does Jesus describe His relationship with His sheep, and what does this imply about His role as the Shepherd? [18:20]
Revelation 7:16-17 describes a future promise for those shepherded by the Lamb. What are the specific promises mentioned in these verses? [08:59]
How does the sermon describe the failures of human shepherds, and what is the intended lesson from these failures? [14:57]

Interpretation Questions:

What does it mean for salvation to be a "homecoming" to the Shepherd of our souls, as described in 1 Peter 2:25? How does this concept affect our understanding of salvation? [05:42]
How does the metaphor of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in John 10:14-16 deepen our understanding of His care and sacrifice for us? [18:20]
In what ways does Revelation 7:16-17 provide comfort and assurance about our eternal relationship with Jesus as our Shepherd? [09:22]
The sermon mentions that despite human failures, Jesus remains the perfect Shepherd. How does this truth impact our trust in Him compared to human leaders? [14:57]

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt lost or strayed like a sheep. How did you experience Jesus as your Shepherd during that time? [05:42]
In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust Jesus as your Shepherd? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in His guidance and provision? [18:20]
How can you actively return to the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul in your daily life, especially when you feel distant from God? [05:42]
Consider the failures of human leaders you have experienced. How can you shift your focus from these disappointments to the perfect leadership of Jesus? [14:57]
What practical ways can you embrace your identity as a sheep under the care of the Great Shepherd, finding joy in His provision and protection? [39:20]
How can you remind yourself of the eternal promises found in Revelation 7:16-17 during times of hardship or uncertainty? [09:22]
Identify one specific area where you need Jesus to equip you to do His will. What steps can you take this week to seek His equipping and transformation in that area? [27:50]

Sermon Clips

world that you and I and all people always be sheep in need of a shepherd He intends that President Bush be sheep Barack Obama sheep Hillary Clinton sheep John McCain sheep all the generals in the Army and the Navy and the Air Force and the Marines sheep all the business Moguls who manage billions of dollars sheep he never intended that human beings would have a season of sheep Hood to be followed by something where they don't need a Shepherd they're not sheeplike anymore he never intended there to be a time in eternity when you would outgrow sheep [00:02:15]

when the Apostle Peter describes the homecoming to Christ of lost people like some of you in this room right now you're here and you stayed away and you're lost without a savior the way he described your homecoming and may it be Easter weekend he described it like this this is 1 Peter chap 2 ver 24 he himself this is the Lord Jesus bore our sins in his body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness by his wounds you have been healed for you were straying like sheep but have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls [00:04:55]

when the chief Shepherd appears you will receive the unfading Crown of Glory when he comes he's coming as a Shepherd a shepherd's crook isn't the only thing he'll have in his hand he will come as king of kings it will be written on his thigh he will come as a warrior with a sword coming out of his mouth he will come as a bridegroom and assemble his bride he will come as God over all blessed forever amen but he's coming as a Shepherd because he designed human beings with Souls that need a Shepherd always and forever [00:07:35]

Jesus Christ died for us and he rose to Shepherd us forever Christianity is the only one that offers you a living Shepherd who loved you so much as to die for you only one and you need it and deep down inside late at night you know exactly that's what you need I hope that you'll be honest with yourself what about my undeserving how does that work here in verse 20 read it again slowly now may the God of Peace who brought again man from the dead there's the resurrection and his present living capacity to Shepherd Me [00:21:16]

he equips you with everything good that you may do his will now let's make really clear what that doesn't say and doesn't mean your Shepherd Jesus infinite in power does not promise you that he will equip you with everything you need to be rich or famous or healthy or beautiful what he says is you will have everything you need to do my will that's precious it's not what the world wants you got to have your heart changed to want this to be happy about this to consider this good news [00:27:50]

what will it mean for you if you're willing to come to him and have him as your Shepherd who laid down his life for you if you're willing to be sheep sheep sheep for the rest of Eternity and have a great Shepherd what will it mean for you number one it will mean that starting at that point where you believe he will give you he will equip you with everything good to do his will you remember the word of Jesus Matthew 6:33 a lot of people stumble over Matthew 6:33 seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness will of God his righteousness and all these things will be added to you [00:34:37]

why did he do it this way why did he so design it that we got to be sheep forever got to have a Shepherd forever we don't trade places with Jesus we just stay sheep forever why did he set it up that way and the answer see where I'm going are you with me in the verse you're preaching this sermon to yourself before I get there last phrase of verse 21 clear's day why namely to whom be glory forever and ever amen [00:37:20]

Glory praise honor admiration esteem Wonder these all belong to God and to our great Shepherd not to us the glory of this great shepherding belongs to him not to us sorry you will never have the glory of shepherding Jesus ever that okay you will only have the joy of being shepherded by the greatest person in the universe I hope you're really happy about that we get the care he gets the tribute as the shepherd caregiver we get the protection he gets the honor as the great Shepherd protector [00:39:29]

let me be a little needy sheep always with this kind of prayer this this kind of care this kind of protection this kind of provision this kind of love oh let me be a sheep forever that I might spend eternity loving my shepherd admiring my shepherd living in the Green Pastures and still Waters of my shepherd oh yes I don't want to switch places and I hope you don't want to switch places we have a living Shepherd and we need a living Shepherd our souls were created to be shepherded by the King of Kings and the Lord of lords [00:41:39]

thank you for raising Jesus from the dead as the great Shepherd and now we receive him we renounce all anti-sheep mentality wants to break free from our dependent weak needy condition we want simply to be owned loved cared for by the king and the shepherd so do that Among Us I pray through Christ [00:42:58]

he equips you with everything good that you may do his will and here's the second one working in us that which is pleasing in his sight and this next phrase is the one that show knows that it's the shepherd who's doing it it says the God of Peace is doing it and now we see how he's doing it or through whom he's doing it and the answer is through Jesus Christ okay let's take those one at a time first answer he equips you you got a Shepherd the great shepherd He equips you with everything good that you may do his will [00:27:50]

Jesus Christ shed his blood and he called it something at the Lord's table the Last Supper remember what he called it this blood is the New Covenant in my blood this cup is the New Covenant in my blood so he's saying that when I shed my blood I am purchasing guaranteeing and securing and obtaining all the Promises of the New Covenant like Jeremiah 31: 31-33 Ezekiel 37 Ezekiel 11 these magnificent promises one of which was I will forgive their sins which means that since he shed his blood the sins of all of his sheep were forgiven when he died [00:23:34]

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Embracing Our Eternal Need for the Great Shepherd

Devotional

Day 1: Our Eternal Design for Shepherding

Day 2: Salvation as Our True Homecoming

Day 3: The Unfailing Shepherd

Day 4: Equipped for God's Will

Day 5: Bringing Glory to the Shepherd

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Embracing Our Eternal Need for the Great Shepherd

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