Embracing the Shepherd's Call: Joy, Growth, and Service
Summary
Today was a day of deep joy and gratitude as we gathered to witness God’s faithfulness in raising up another shepherd for His people. There is a unique delight in hearing the name of a beloved child called out, and it reminds us of the even greater joy God experiences when we call on His name. This is a place of welcome, a no-judgment zone, where we celebrate not only an ordination but the ongoing work of Christ in and through His people. We are here because of Christ, to worship Him, and to pray for His kingdom to come and grow through those He calls and sends.
Reflecting on Jacob’s journey, I am reminded of the story of Jesus as a child—how He was found in the temple, amazing the teachers with His wisdom, and how He grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. This growth is not just about knowledge or ability, but about character, discernment, and a life shaped by God’s Word and Spirit. Like Jesus, a shepherd is first and foremost a lifelong learner, continually seeking the Father’s will, even when it leads through suffering or sacrifice. The call to ministry is not a call to comfort, but to follow Jesus wherever He leads, trusting that God redeems every experience—good and bad—for His purposes.
Jacob’s story is marked by both blessing and hardship, by a willingness to endure loss and difficulty for the sake of God’s call. This is the path of every true shepherd: to pick up the cross, to follow Jesus, and to love and serve God’s people, even when it is costly. The example of Peter reminds us that restoration and ordination are acts of grace, and that God uses both our strengths and our failures to shape us for His service.
A shepherd must also live in the confidence of God’s favor, knowing that before any ministry is done, we are already beloved and pleasing to the Father. This identity is the foundation for all fruitful ministry. Finally, a shepherd is called to be a warrior of the Word—skilled in the Scriptures, able to teach, correct, and train others in righteousness, and to wield the Word with both courage and humility. The Word of God is living and active, and it must first shape us before we can use it to shape others.
Today, we celebrate not only Jacob’s ordination, but the faithfulness of God who calls, equips, and sustains His servants. We pray that Jacob—and all of us—would continue to follow Jesus as lifelong learners, live in the assurance of God’s favor, and be warriors of the Word for the sake of His kingdom.
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Key Takeaways
- The Joy of Calling on God’s Name
Just as a parent delights in hearing their child call out, God’s joy is infinitely greater when we cry out to Him. Our relationship with God is not transactional but deeply personal; He welcomes us, pours into us, and delights in our presence. This truth invites us to approach God with confidence and gratitude, knowing we are always welcomed and loved. [24:04]
- A Shepherd is a Lifelong Learner
Jesus, even as a child, modeled the posture of a lifelong learner—growing in wisdom, stature, and favor. True spiritual maturity is not about arriving but about continually seeking God’s will, being shaped by His Word, and remaining teachable. This humility and hunger for God’s truth is essential for anyone who would lead or serve in His name. [27:04]
- God Redeems All Things—Even Suffering
The journey of following God’s call often involves hardship, loss, and suffering. Yet, God is a redeemer who uses every experience—good and bad—to shape us for His purposes. The willingness to follow Christ, even when it is costly, is a mark of true discipleship and a source of deep spiritual growth. [33:39]
- Living in the Confidence of God’s Favor
Before any act of ministry, God’s declaration over Jesus—“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased”—reminds us that our identity is rooted in being loved and accepted by God. Ministry flows from this assurance, not as a means to earn favor, but as a response to the favor already given. This confidence frees us to serve boldly and rest in God’s grace. [38:50]
- A Shepherd is a Warrior of the Word
The Word of God is not merely information but a living, active force that shapes hearts and lives. To be a shepherd is to be skilled in the Scriptures, able to teach, correct, and train with both precision and compassion. The Word must first cut and shape us before we can use it to minister to others, calling us to a life of integrity and devotion. [49:33]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[24:04] - The Joy of Calling on God’s Name
[24:54] - Reflections on Jacob’s Journey
[27:04] - Lifelong Learning and Spiritual Growth
[32:56] - Enduring Hardship for the Call
[33:39] - God Redeems All Things
[34:54] - The Cost of Following Jesus
[35:42] - Grace, Restoration, and Ordination
[37:28] - Living in God’s Favor
[40:05] - Early Signs of Calling
[42:35] - God’s Greater Works and Grace
[44:21] - Warrior of the Word
[46:16] - The Realities of Ministry
[49:33] - The Sword and the Shepherd
[52:36] - Summary: The Shepherd’s Calling
[54:16] - The Oyster Shell and the Word
[56:17] - Prayer for the Ordained
[57:19] - The Responsibilities of Ministry
[01:01:30] - The Charge and Confession
[01:03:15] - Promises and Commitments
[01:04:25] - Final Blessing and Prayer
[01:11:40] - Closing Prayers and Benediction
[01:29:31] - Fellowship and Celebration
[01:30:02] - Farewell and Thanks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Shepherd’s Calling
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### Bible Reading
1. Luke 2:41-52 (ESV)
> Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
2. 2 Timothy 3:10-17 (ESV)
> You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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.
3. Matthew 3:16-17 (ESV)
> And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 2:41-52, what stands out about Jesus’ attitude and actions as a child in the temple? How did the people around him respond?
2. According to 2 Timothy 3:10-17, what are some of the qualities and experiences Paul highlights as important for Timothy’s ministry?
3. In Matthew 3:16-17, what does God the Father declare about Jesus before Jesus begins his public ministry?
4. The sermon described the church as a “no-judgment zone” and a place of welcome. What does this mean in the context of the ordination service? ([24:04])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus’ growth in “wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man” is emphasized in Luke 2:52? What does this teach us about spiritual maturity?
2. Paul tells Timothy that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” How does this shape our expectations for following God’s call? ([44:21])
3. The sermon said, “A shepherd is first and foremost a lifelong learner, continually seeking the Father’s will, even when it leads through suffering or sacrifice.” Why is humility and teachability so important for spiritual leaders? ([27:04])
4. Before Jesus did any ministry, God declared him “beloved” and “well pleased.” How does this truth affect the way we view our own identity and service? ([38:50])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon compared God’s joy in hearing us call on His name to a parent’s delight in hearing their child. When was the last time you approached God with that kind of childlike confidence? What holds you back from doing this more often? ([24:04])
2. Jesus modeled being a lifelong learner, even as a child. What is one area in your faith or life where you need to become more teachable or open to growth? How can you take a step in that direction this week? ([27:04])
3. The journey of following God’s call often involves hardship and loss. Can you share a time when following Jesus cost you something? How did God use that experience in your life? ([33:39])
4. The sermon emphasized that our identity as “beloved” comes before any ministry or service. Do you ever struggle to believe that God is pleased with you apart from what you do? How can you remind yourself of this truth daily? ([38:50])
5. “A shepherd is a warrior of the Word.” What does it look like for you to let God’s Word “cut” and shape you before you try to use it to help others? Is there a specific Scripture that has recently challenged or changed you? ([49:33])
6. The example of Peter shows that God uses both our strengths and failures. Is there a failure in your life that God has redeemed or is redeeming? How can you encourage someone else with that story? ([34:54])
7. The sermon described ministry as not a call to comfort, but to follow Jesus wherever He leads. Is there a place in your life where you are resisting God’s leading because it feels uncomfortable or costly? What would it look like to trust Him in that area? ([33:39])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person grow as a lifelong learner, rest in His favor, and become a “warrior of the Word” for the sake of His kingdom.
Devotional
Day 1: Lifelong Learning as a Follower of Jesus
A shepherd is first and foremost a lifelong learner, continually seeking wisdom and spiritual maturity by following the example of Jesus, who, even as a child, grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man. This growth was not just about knowledge, but about developing discernment, character, and a deep relationship with the Father, cultivated through daily faithfulness and prayer. Jesus’ willingness to learn and obey in small things prepared Him for obedience in the greatest challenges, showing that spiritual growth is a daily journey of saying “yes” to God, even when it is difficult. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace this same posture of humility and openness, allowing God to shape us through every season of life. [27:04]
Luke 2:46-52 (ESV)
After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to intentionally become a learner again, seeking God’s wisdom rather than relying on your own understanding or past experience?
Day 2: Embracing Suffering and Sacrifice in Following Jesus
Following Jesus is not just about comfort or personal fulfillment; it often involves sacrifice, suffering, and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of God’s call. Jesus Himself modeled this in the Garden of Gethsemane, choosing the Father’s will over His own, even when it meant facing the cross. Likewise, Peter was called to leave behind what was familiar and comfortable to follow Jesus, ultimately embracing a path that led to suffering and even death for the sake of the gospel. True discipleship means daily taking up your cross, trusting that God uses both the good and the hard things in your life to shape you for His purposes. [34:54]
John 21:18-19 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Reflection: Where is God asking you to surrender your comfort or preferences today in order to follow Him more fully, even if it means embracing difficulty or sacrifice?
Day 3: Living Confidently in God’s Favor
Before any ministry or action, God’s love and favor rest on His children—not because of what they do, but because of who they are in Christ. Jesus was affirmed by the Father before He began His public ministry, and this same favor is given to all who are called by God. Living in this truth brings confidence and freedom, knowing that you are loved and pleasing to God, not because of your achievements, but because of His grace. This assurance empowers you to serve others with joy, to rest in God’s sufficiency, and to remind others of the unearned favor and love that is theirs in Christ. [38:50]
Matthew 3:17 (ESV)
And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Reflection: How would your attitude and actions change today if you truly believed that God is already pleased with you, before you do anything to “earn” His approval?
Day 4: Being a Warrior of the Word
A shepherd is called to be a warrior of the Word, skillfully using Scripture as a living and active tool for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. The Word of God is not just information, but a powerful, double-edged sword that pierces hearts, discerns motives, and brings transformation. This requires dedication to studying, applying, and sharing the Word, allowing it to shape your own life first before ministering to others. In a world of deception and difficulty, standing firm in the truth of Scripture equips you to persevere, to encourage others, and to fulfill your calling with courage and love. [44:21]
2 Timothy 3:10-17 (ESV)
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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: What is one specific way you can let God’s Word “cut” and shape your heart today before you seek to share it with someone else?
Day 5: Serving with Humility and the Heart of a Shepherd
A true shepherd leads by following Jesus, serving others with humility, love, and a readiness to lay down personal ambition for the sake of God’s people. This calling is not about self-promotion or comparison, but about faithfully carrying the cross, equipping others, and living out the gospel in word and deed. The shepherd’s life is marked by prayer, diligence in the Word, and a commitment to the well-being of the flock, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for every challenge. In this, the shepherd becomes a living testimony of Christ’s love and a source of encouragement and strength to the community. [52:36]
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV)
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally serve or encourage today with humility and love, reflecting the heart of Christ as a shepherd in their life?
Quotes
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