[0:00] As we come together around the Word of God this morning, let us seek his blessing upon his Word. Let us pray. Eternal and ever-blessed Lord, we give thee thanks for this opportunity and privilege that has been given to us today to come together around thine own Word.
[0:26] Lord, that we can enter into the words of the psalmist of old who said that it was a joy for him when they said, let us go to the house of God.
[0:40] And we pray, O Lord, that we may experience that joy as we come together around thine own Word. Lord, seeking, O Lord, that it may please thee to grant to us that we would worship thee in a way that would be acceptable to thee.
[1:01] We come, O Lord, not with any merits of our own, but we come with that boldness and confidence that is given to us through the merits of thy Son.
[1:13] The one who is at thine own right hand and the one who truly ministers there on behalf of his people. We give thee thanks, O Lord, for his continual ministry.
[1:27] And we give thee thanks for the great promise that thou hast given to us that he will return. And that he will return not to offer himself again as a sacrifice for sin.
[1:40] But that he will return in order to engather his people and to bring them into the inheritance that he has prepared for them.
[1:51] We give thee thanks, O Lord, for the work of thy grace in the hearts of sinners such as we are. And for the privileges that thou dost give to thy people.
[2:04] That they can come into thine own presence with that boldness and confidence in the one who is ministering on their behalf at thy right hand.
[2:15] We give thee thanks, O Lord, for the way that thou hast protected us over these past months. And for the way that thou hast, O Lord, upheld us in all things.
[2:29] And we pray, O Lord, that as we come together today, although in a very restrictive way, that we may know the presence of thine own spirit among us.
[2:40] That thy spirit, O Lord, would take thy word. And that thy spirit would apply it to our hearts. O that it may bring forth evidence in our lives.
[2:54] Remember all those who cannot be with us today. We pray, O Lord, that thou would draw near to them. And that they, O Lord, in spirit may join with us as we come together in this act of worship.
[3:10] We pray thy blessing upon our homes and our families. And all our loved ones, wherever they may be. That thine own everlasting arms would be around them.
[3:23] We remember those who are careless and indifferent to the claims of thy word. And pray, O Lord, that thy spirit would work upon them. That thou would draw them to thyself.
[3:34] That they may come to know their need. And that they may come to know the sufficiency of Christ to meet with that need. Neighboring them, O Lord, to embrace thee as thou dost offer thyself to them through the gospel.
[3:49] That they may come to know thy salvation. And the joy of thy salvation. Remember those who are ill. At home and away. And pray, O Lord, that thine healing hand may be upon them.
[4:03] Remember those who have come to old age. Those who are confined to their homes and to care homes. We ask thy blessing upon them and those who care for them.
[4:14] Bless our young people and our children. O Lord, may it please thee to raise up a generation that would fear thy name. And who would be thy witnesses in this world.
[4:27] Bless thy people, we pray thee. Grant to them that they may be faithful witnesses for thee in this world. Remember our Queen and the Royal Household.
[4:38] Remember the leadership of our nations. O Lord, we pray that thou would grant them wisdom. That thou would grant to them to see that righteousness alone exalteth a nation.
[4:50] Remember our nation at this time. At a time of uncertainty. When we are going to plough through uncharted waters. We pray, O Lord, that it may be to the spiritual good of our nation.
[5:06] We pray, O Lord, that thou in thy grace and in thy compassion and mercy would bring a people to repentance. Where we would sorrow over our sin. Where we would seek the mercy of God in Jesus Christ.
[5:21] We pray, O Lord, that thou would continue with us as we wait upon thee. And as we turn to read and to meditate upon thine own word. Giving thee thanks, O Lord, for the provision that thou hast made for us in Jesus Christ.
[5:38] And the efficacy of his finished work. Which can forgive us for all our sins. And for all our unrighteousness. Being washed away and us being reconciled with our God.
[5:52] We pray, O Lord, that we would come to some understanding. Of the great privilege and the great honour that thou hast placed upon us. When thou didst pass the angels that fell.
[6:04] And when thou took hold upon man that hath sinned against thee. And offered him grace. Oh, we give thee thanks for that offer of grace. And we pray, O Lord, that we would not be found among those.
[6:17] Who would be rejecting and despising that offer of grace. But that we would be among those who would embrace it. And know its privileges. We ask, O Lord, that thou would continue with us.
[6:30] As we wait upon thee. And all that we ask with the forgiveness of our many sins. Is in Jesus' name and for his sake. Amen. Let us now read the word of God.
[6:43] As we find it in the book of Psalms. And Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd.
[6:55] I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.
[7:09] He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness. For his name's sake. Yet though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil.
[7:20] For thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff. They comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me. In the presence of mine enemies.
[7:32] Thou anointest my head with oil. My cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.
[7:44] And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. And now we shall turn to the New Testament. And to the Gospel of Luke.
[7:54] And chapter 15. And we shall read from the beginning of the chapter.
[8:07] To verse 7. And seeking the Lord's help and blessing. That will be the portion that we shall meditate upon this morning.
[8:19] Luke's Gospel chapter 15. Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured saying.
[8:30] This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them saying. What man of you having an hundred sheep. If he lose one of them.
[8:42] Doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness. And go after that which is lost until he find it. And when he hath found it.
[8:52] He layeth it on his shoulders rejoicing. And when he cometh home. He calleth together his friends and neighbours saying unto them. Rejoice with me. For I have found my sheep which was lost.
[9:05] I say unto you. That likewise. Their joy shall be in heaven. Over one sinner that repenteth. More than over ninety and nine just persons.
[9:17] Which need no repentance. Now last week we studied the shepherd going forth. And seeking the lost sheep until he found it.
[9:33] And we noted that this involved a journey for the shepherd. A journey that took him into this sinful world.
[9:45] A journey that meant that he had to take to himself. The nature of those he came to save. Something that cannot be true of any other shepherd.
[9:58] Taking the nature that belongs to his flock. Hence Jesus is depicted for us in the Bible as the lamb. He took our nature unto himself.
[10:12] And united it with his passion. So that it truly belongs to him. The writer to the Hebrews expresses this so eloquently.
[10:26] In Hebrews chapter 2 we read. For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood. He also himself likewise took part of the same.
[10:40] For verily he took not on him the nature of angels. But he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren.
[10:55] Or as our shorter catechism puts it. Christ the son of God became man. By taking to himself a true body and a reasonable soul.
[11:05] Been conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mary. And born of her yet without sin. Earlier in the year we spent some time studying the subject in our study of Philippians chapter 2.
[11:25] Wherein we noted. And being found in fashion as a man. He humbled himself. And became obedient unto death. Even the death of the cross.
[11:37] Particular attention drawn there to the voluntary action of the shepherd in seeking for the lost sheep. He made himself of no reputation.
[11:50] He took the form of a servant. He humbled himself. He was not forced but he voluntarily made himself nothing.
[12:03] He veiled his glory. And chose to occupy the position of a servant or slave. He became dependent upon the other persons of the Godhead.
[12:17] The Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus sometimes functioned within the limitations of humanity. He was hungry.
[12:29] He thirsted. He was tired. But God never gets hungry. Never gets thirsty. And never gets tired. Instead of holding on to his own interrupted glory.
[12:44] He chose to veil it. And although he is under no obligation to do so. He comes into our fallen world. And he does so to seek.
[12:56] And to save. That which is lost. What a cost. What a cost it was for the shepherd. To seek and to save the lost sheep.
[13:09] Paul reminds us. Ye are bought with a price. In 2nd Corinthians chapter 8 he says. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[13:21] That though he was rich. Yet for your sakes he became poor. That through his poverty you might be made rich. Jesus became poor.
[13:36] He impoverished himself. Notice how tenses are so important. Here it says that he was rich.
[13:48] It does not say that he became rich. But it does say that he became poor. The riches did not become his.
[14:02] They were his. But his poverty became his. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[14:13] Though he was rich. Yet for your sakes he became poor. And you may ask well was it worth it?
[14:24] The writer to the Hebrew writes regarding Jesus the shepherd. Who for the joy that was set before him. Endured the cross.
[14:36] Despising the shame. Now that is a remarkable statement. We can think of this joy of the shepherd.
[14:47] In a number of ways. Jesus the shepherd took joy. In doing his father's will. He said so himself.
[14:57] As we find in the gospel of John chapter 4. Where he says my meat is to do the will of him. That sent me. And to finish his work.
[15:10] There is no doubt that he looked forward. To sitting at the right hand of the father. But there was also the joy of the knowledge.
[15:22] Of what his sufferings and death would accomplish. Namely the redemption of a people for himself. Jesus rejoiced because he saw the crown beyond the cross.
[15:40] Isaiah chapter 53. He shall see of the travail of his soul. And shall be satisfied.
[15:53] Can it be no wonder to us that we are told here in our text this morning. That when he hath found the lost sheep. That he layeth it on his soldiers rejoicing.
[16:04] Another point for us to ponder is this. That it is said of the shepherd. That when he hath found it. When he hath found it.
[16:18] There is this element of certainty. There is no room here for if he finds it. Or the thought that he will get weary.
[16:28] And give up the struggle. Give up the searching. This shepherd perseveres until he has found the lost sheep.
[16:40] What encouragement this is for us today. That the good shepherd will such and such until he finds his lost sheep.
[16:53] What encouragement this is for evangelism in our day. That the good shepherd will such and such until he finds his lost sheep.
[17:05] He is not a shepherd who will give up. He will not grow tired or weary. He will continue his such until he finds his lost sheep.
[17:19] Jesus says in the gospel of John chapter 18. Of them whom thou gavest me. Have I lost none.
[17:30] There will be a hundred sheep in the fold. Not one will be missing. When the day of reckoning comes. And the sheep are counted.
[17:41] They will all be there. But the great question is. Will you be there? Can you sing the words of the famous hymn.
[17:53] When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound. And time shall be no more. And the more he breaks. Eternal bright and fair.
[18:04] When the saved of earth shall gather. Over on the other shore. And the role is called beyond her. I'll be there. Is that true?
[18:15] Regarding yourself today. But it is one thing for the shepherd. To find his lost sheep. But it is another thing entirely.
[18:29] To bring the sheep back home. No sooner had the shepherd in our story. Found his lost sheep. Then he began the task.
[18:40] Of bringing the sheep home. For we read. And when he hath found it. He layeth on his shoulders rejoicing. You can just imagine. This loving scene.
[18:51] No sooner has he found the lost sheep. Than he lifts the sheep. And puts the sheep around his neck. Grasps its four legs together in front of him.
[19:02] And starts their journey home. David in Psalm 28 wrote. Oh save your people. And bless your heritage. Be their shepherd.
[19:14] And carry them forever. Here we have the shepherding ministry. Of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only in finding the lost sheep.
[19:27] Not only in lifting the lost sheep. Around his neck. But in bringing the lost sheep home. The sheep may look very scraggly.
[19:43] Its fleece may be torn. The sheep may look very messy. And untidy. But the shepherd's love. Covered it all.
[19:54] He lifts his sheep. And carries it all the way. Is that not an encouragement for you today? The Bible does not tell us.
[20:06] To make ourselves. To look the best for the shepherd. In order for him. To take care of us. The shepherd's love for his sheep. Will cover. And heal.
[20:17] All the spots. And all the blemishes. The shepherd carries the sheep. Until he reaches home.
[20:29] He does not take the sheep. And half way. And then abandons it. No. And when he hath found it. He laith it. And so is rejoicing.
[20:40] And when he cometh home. Coming home. Bearing. The lost sheep. He carries the sheep. All the way home.
[20:51] Paul could say. Been confident. Of this very thing. That he. Which hath begun. A good work. In you. Will perform it. Until. The day of.
[21:02] Jesus Christ. Whether the sheep. Struggled at times. We know not. But the shepherd. Did not lose his hold.
[21:13] Of the sheep. Is that not comforting. For me. And you today. That it is not. Our hold. Of the shepherd. But the shepherd's hold.
[21:23] On us. That shall bring us home. David. In the psalm. That we have read. Psalm 23. Says. Yet. Yet. Though I walk.
[21:33] Through the valley. Of the shadow. Of death. I will fear. No evil. Why? For thou. Art. With me. Thy rod.
[21:44] And thy staff. They comfort me. The prophet. Isaiah. Chapter 43. Says. Fear not. For I have redeemed thee.
[21:55] I have called thee. By thy name. Thou art mine. For thou passest through the waters. I will be with thee. And through the rivers. They shall not overflow thee.
[22:08] For thou walkest through the fire. Thou shall not be burned. Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord. Thy God. The Holy One.
[22:19] Of Israel. Thy Saviour. Jesus. Shepherding. His lost sheep. All the way home. Whatever your situation.
[22:32] And circumstances today. You may be going down paths. You never experienced before. Paths that you never expected.
[22:45] Paths that you would never have chosen for yourself. There may be steep hills. And there may be dark valleys. There may be days of warmth.
[22:59] And nights of hard frost. May be times when you are feeling lonely. But the shepherd is carrying you.
[23:11] You are all upon his soul. Again in Isaiah chapter 63. We read in all the reflection. He was afflicted.
[23:21] And the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and in his pity. He redeemed them. And he bare them. And carried them. All the days of old.
[23:34] How blessed it is. To be carried all the way home. On the shoulders of the shepherd. May we digress for a moment. And maybe today you are feeling well.
[23:46] Will I make it. Will I ever reach home. Well this is the certainty. That you will make it. And that you will reach home.
[23:57] Because you are carried all the way. By the shepherd. May we digress for a moment.
[24:08] For as I think of the shepherd. Carrying the sheep. My mind goes back to what we are told. Regarding the garments of the high priest. In the Old Testament.
[24:19] The high priest wore two onyx stones. Each engraved with the names of six. Of the twelve tribes of Israel. In the order of their birth.
[24:32] And the stones were placed. On the shoulders of the high priest. And attached to the golden straps. Of another garment. Called the e-pot. What an encouragement for Israel.
[24:45] To know that their high priest. Represented them all. Before God. That their names were engraved. In those stones.
[24:57] What a beautiful type that is. For us of Christ. Who bears the needs of his people. Before the throne of God. Where he intercedes for them.
[25:09] What an encouragement it is. For us. That we know that we are carried. On the soldiers of our priestly shepherd. There was another piece of the garments.
[25:21] That belonged to the high priest. Where the name of Israel tribes. Were engraved. The garment we know as the breastplate. The breastplate of the high priest.
[25:32] Where each tribe had their own. Special stone. On which their names were engraved. But on the shoulder of the high priest. Each name stood. Engraved on the onyx stone.
[25:45] There was no difference. Between one of the. Of the children of Israel. And another. Each were. Presented in the same glory.
[25:55] And beauty of the onyx stone. Reuben might. Prove unstable as water. And yet. He was first in one of the stone.
[26:08] Joseph and Benjamin might be a favourite. Yet they were last. And each of these stones. On the shoulder of the high priest.
[26:19] Gave forth its glowing brilliancy. Equally to each. Of the six names. That were inscribed. Upon them. In other words.
[26:30] We can say. That one. Was as precious. And as glorious. As another. The infinite. Cost of the blood. Of the shepherd.
[26:41] Had been paid. For each. One and all. All the great. Loving shepherd. Of the sheep. Will not cease. To bear.
[26:51] On his shoulders. The weakest. Of the flock. Until at last. He brings them home. Until at last. He places them. In the fold.
[27:03] Until at last. He will have all. His sheep. Together. The shepherd provides. All that is needed. For the journey home.
[27:16] Along the way. He brings them. To rest. And he gives them. Refreshments. He maketh me. To lie down. In green pastures.
[27:27] He maketh the sheep. To lie down. In the pastures. Of his own word. And in those pastures. The sheep finds. Good sustenance.
[27:38] And nourishment. To feed upon. And to gain. Strength. For the journey home. The psalmist. In Psalm 119. The psalmist.
[27:49] Could say. How sweet. Are thy words. Unto my taste. Yes. Sweeter than honey. To my mouth. Order my steps.
[27:59] In thy word. And let not any. Iniquity. Have dominion. Over me. To lie down. In the pastures. Of his word.
[28:09] And to be fed. By his word. We are told. That when sheep. Lie down. It's because. The sheep. Are satisfied.
[28:22] And he satisfies. His sheep. By his word. How often. We may feel. As if we. Cannot go on. And then.
[28:33] A word. A verse. Or a passage. From the Bible. Or perhaps a word. From the pulpit. I recently. Spoke to a lady. Who had been in hospital. A lady.
[28:43] Who had been on the journey. For many years. But this day. In hospital. She felt quite down. In her spirit. But the words. Of a certain psalm. Kept coming to her mind.
[28:55] And the next day. She asked. If she could have a radio. She wanted to listen. To the morning service. And that exact psalm. Was preached upon. And she felt so.
[29:07] Refreshed. And revived. And she knew. That it was her shepherd. That was feeding her. Through the pasture. Of his own word.
[29:19] On the words. Of Psalm 34. The young lions. Do lack. And suffer hunger. But they. That seek the Lord. Shall not want. Any good thing.
[29:31] And the shepherd. Leadeth his flock. Beside. The still waters. We are told.
[29:42] That the word. Still here. Implies. Refreshing. Peaceful. And pure. Water. Not only. Does the shepherd. Keep his sheep. From the muddy waters.
[29:52] That are to be found. In the world. But also. From the noisy. Turbulent. And rushing streams. Sheep. Stand terrified.
[30:03] Before turbulent waters. And for good reason. For a sheep. Would be helpless. If it were to. Come too close. And fall. Into the. Fast. Moving.
[30:14] Stream. It would be dangerous. For a sheep. To dabble. Or to potter. Around. A fast. Flowing. Stream. So it is.
[30:25] For the sheep. Of this shepherd. It is. Through also. Of the. Spiritual sheep. That it is. Strangerous. For them. To dabble.
[30:36] Or to potter. Around. The fast. Flowing. Muddy streams. Of this world. But the shepherd. The good shepherd. Does not lead the sheep.
[30:47] To the muddy waters. Or to the fast. Flowing streams. Of this world. But it brings them. To the still. Waters. In the eastern world.
[30:58] It. Could be difficult. Quite hard. And difficult. For a shepherd. To find such. Pure. Refreshing. Waters. So we find. The shepherds.
[31:09] Often built. Deep wells. Or cisterns. From which. They could draw up water. To provide. Drink. For their thirsty flock. So. Our good shepherd.
[31:20] Has also. Built a well. From which. The thirsty. Soul of his sheep. Can find. Satisfaction. The still. Refreshing. And peace giving.
[31:31] Waters. Of his gospel. Ordinances. He is the one. Who out of his sovereign. Eternal love. For his sheep.
[31:41] Cried out. I thirst. So that his sheep. Would be eternally. Guaranteed. Still. Refreshing. Waters. To lie.
[31:51] Beside. And the spirit. And the bride. Say come. And let him. That heareth. Say come. And let him. That is a thirst. Come.
[32:02] And whosoever. Will. Let him. Take. The water. Of life. Freely. Do you know. What it is. To lie down.
[32:13] In the green pastures. Of his word. And to drink. From the still waters. Of the gospel ordinances. Maybe today.
[32:26] On this journey. Along with the shepherd. You are saying to yourself. I thirst. To thirst. I thirst.
[32:39] To thirst. Maybe you are like the psalmist. In Psalm 63. My soul thirsteth for thee. My flesh longeth for thee. In a dry and thirsty land.
[32:49] Where no water is. To see thy power. And thy glory. So as I have seen thee. In the sanctuary. To each member of the flock.
[33:02] The shepherd gives. This promise. My God shall supply. All your need. According to his riches. And glory. By Christ Jesus.
[33:13] David could say. My cup. Runneth over. As the shepherd carries us. Our cup.
[33:24] Runneth over. With all the. Covenant blessings. And all that. Because of the cup. That the shepherd took. On behalf. Of his sheep.
[33:35] A cup. That was overflowing. But not with blessings. But with the curses. That the sheep. Deserved. When he contemplated.
[33:46] Drinking it. In the garden. Of Gethsemane. He cried out. Oh my father. If it be possible. Let this cup. Pass. From me. But if the sheep.
[33:56] But if the sheep. Were to be saved. The shepherd must drink. That cup. His cup. Overflowed with the judgment. That was due to our sin.
[34:07] And he drank it. To the very dregs. He exhausted. The curse. That was in that cup. Against. His sheep. So that we can drink out of the cup.
[34:20] Of blessing. And that we can say today. My cup. Runneth over. Again David could say.
[34:32] He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness. For his name's sake. You see. The shepherd's reputation. Is so combined.
[34:43] With the safety and protection. Of the flock. Given to him. By the father. For if he should lose one of them. He would have to answer. For it.
[34:55] Jesus says. Jesus. We find in John's gospel. Chapter 6. For I came down from heaven. Not to do. Mine own will. But the will of him.
[35:06] That sent me. And this is the father's will. Which hath sent me. That of all. Which he hath given me. I shall lose nothing. But shall. But should raise it up again.
[35:17] At the last day. And this is the will of him. That sent me. That everyone. Which seeth the son. And believeth on him. May have a belive. Last in life. And I will raise him up.
[35:29] At the last day. As the shepherd carries us. We are protected. As the shepherd carries us. We are fed. We are nourished.
[35:42] We are sustained. And as the shepherd carries us. We are secure. For he. Will bring. His flock home. And we read here.
[35:54] That when he cometh home. He calleth together his friends. And neighbours. Saying unto them. Rejoice with me. For I have found my sheep. Which was lost.
[36:05] I say unto you. That likewise. Joy shall be in heaven. Over one sinner. That repenteth. More than over ninety. And nine just persons. Which need.
[36:16] No. Repentance. When a sinner repents. Of his sin. It affects heaven. It touches.
[36:26] The heavenly realm. For we read. Joy shall be. In heaven. Over one sinner. That. Repenteth. The question.
[36:38] Is often asked. Who are the. Ninety and nine just persons. Which need. No repentance. I think that Jesus. Was taking a sharp job. At the Pharisees.
[36:48] And scribes. Who were so sure. Of their own righteousness. That they did not even think. That they needed. Repentance. Here we are told.
[37:01] That he calleth together. His friends. And neighbours. To rejoice. With him. The church of. Jesus Christ. Cannot but rejoice. When sinners.
[37:13] Repent of. Their sin. And when they come. To Jesus. For their. Salvation. Here it is. Especially referring. To the shepherds.
[37:24] Homecoming. I think. First of all. That. The. This speaks of. The rejoicing of heaven. When Jesus. Ascended. To the right hand.
[37:35] Of the father. After his. Crucifixion. And resurrection. When he entered heaven. In his human nature. After working out. The salvation. For his people.
[37:49] When the shepherd. Returned to him. And when he proclaimed. I found my sheep. That was lost. In Psalm 68.
[38:00] We read. Thou has ascended. On high. Thou has led. Captivity captive. Thou has received. Gifts. For men. Yea. For the rebellious. Also. That the Lord God.
[38:11] Might dwell. Among them. Blessed. Be the Lord. Who daily. Loaded us. With benefits. Even the God. Of our. Salvation. Yes.
[38:22] He has gone up. With a shout. Yes. There is. Rejoicing. In heaven. As the shepherd. Returns home. When Jesus.
[38:33] Came home. After working out. Salvation. For his sheep. There is. A sense. In which he found. At the cross. That which.
[38:44] Was. Lost. And heaven. Rejoiced. The triune God. Rejoiced. The angels. Rejoiced.
[38:55] And the triumphant church. In heaven. Rejoiced. The old. Testament saints. Who had gone home. To heaven. Rejoiced.
[39:05] To see Jesus. Entering. In human nature. Having worked out. The salvation. Of the church. For although.
[39:17] They are. In a blessed state. They are not yet. In their final. Glorified state. Of body and soul. They.
[39:27] Without us. Shall not enter. That final. Glorified state. But the heavenly rejoicing. Has not ceased. As each of the sheep.
[39:39] Are brought. To experience. That. Salvation. If there was joy. In heaven. When the shepherd. Returned home. Having worked out.
[39:50] Salvation. For his sheep. For his flock. For his people. I say. That heaven. Continues. To rejoice. As each sheep.
[40:01] Are brought. To experience. That. Salvation. I say. Unto you. That likewise. Joy. Shall be in heaven. Over one sinner. That repented.
[40:12] Heaven continues. To rejoice. As each sheep. Comes. To experience. Repentance. Experience. The salvation.
[40:26] And each sinner. That repents. Brings that final. Glorified. State. Closer. Father. And the shepherd.
[40:37] Has a longing. For that day. The shepherd. Says. Father. I will. That they also. Whom thou hast given me. Be with me. Where I am. That they may behold.
[40:49] My glory. Which thou hast given me. Father. Lovest me. Before the foundation. Of the world. The church militant. That is. The church here on earth. The flock here on earth.
[41:03] Rejoices. As sinners repent. And the flock. That has gone home. They rejoice. And in this joy. Heaven.
[41:14] And earth. Is united. Can you say. As the great shepherd's psalm ends. Surely. Goodness and mercy.
[41:25] Shall follow me. All the days of my life. And I will dwell. In the house of the Lord. Forever. My friend.
[41:36] Will you not. This morning. Consider the. Infinite condescension. Grace. And love. In all this. Why all this. Towards. Lost sheep.
[41:49] Have you. Deserved all this. At the hands. Of the shepherd. Well. All this. Is nothing. But the. Overflowing. Of mercy.
[42:00] Compassion. And grace. That moves the shepherd. To seek. And to save. The lost sheep. And to bring. The lost sheep. Home. Let us seriously.
[42:13] Take the advice. Of the writer. To the Hebrews. Who says. Today. If you will hear his voice. Harden not. Your hearts. But exhort. One another daily. While it is called.
[42:24] Today. Lest any of you. Be hardened. Through the deceitfulness. Of sin. This day. Is to you. In the tender. Mercy.
[42:35] Grace. And compassion. Of the shepherd. The acceptable time. This is the day. Of salvation. For you. The shepherd.
[42:45] Is still seeking. In the overtures. Of the gospel. He is still saying. Come unto me. And be saved. He is still waiting.
[42:58] For your response. Remember. Others. Had this day. As well as you. And they have missed. Their opportunity. But take heed.
[43:08] Lest it should be so. With you as well. The shepherd. Has waited. Waited. Long for you. And who knows. How soon. He may withdraw.
[43:20] Never to look your way. Anymore. My spirit. Says the shepherd. Shall not always. Strive. With man.
[43:32] But today. In the overtures. Of the gospel. The shepherd. Is calling you. He is calling you. Out. For the lost. Sheep. Are you going to.
[43:44] Reject. And despise. His calling. Or are you going to. Respond. And are you going to. Cry out. To the shepherd. The shepherd.
[43:55] That will save you. The shepherd. That will protect you. The shepherd. That will sustain you. The shepherd. That will bring you home.
[44:08] With rejoicing. And when all. The sheep are gathered. Can we just try and. If possible. To visualize the scene.
[44:20] When we are all together. One shepherd. One fold. Entering into. The blessings. Together. Into that final.
[44:32] Glorified state. Along. With the shepherd. There is a joy. Yet. Awaiting. There is a joy. Yet.
[44:43] Awaiting. The militant church. The church. Here on earth. There is a joy. Yet. Awaiting. The triumphant church. The church. In heaven. When all the flock.
[44:55] And the shepherd. Will shepherd them. To living fountains. Of water. My friend. Will you. Be there. May the Lord bless to us.
[45:07] Our meditation upon his word. Let us pray. Eternal and ever. Blessed Lord. We. Give thanks to thee. For the gospel. We give thanks to thee.
[45:18] For the call. Of the shepherd. In the gospel. And we pray. That through thy spirit. Thou would grant to us. The hearing ear. Open our ears.
[45:29] That we may hear his call. Open our wills. And our hearts. That we may respond. To his call. That we may cry. Unto him.
[45:40] And be saved. That we may know. His protecting power. That we may know. His sustaining grace. That we may know. His love.
[45:52] In bringing us home. O Lord. O Lord. We give thanks for the great promise. That the shepherd. Will bring us home. And that. There will come a day.
[46:02] When there will be one shepherd. One flock. One fold. When we shall all be. Together. Rejoicing. With our shepherd. As he continues.
[46:14] His shepherding. And bringing us to the living fountains. Of waters. We pray. O Lord. That thou would bless. Each one of us. Bless those who. Couldn't be with us today.
[46:25] We pray. O Lord. That thou would be. Near to them. And watch over us. This coming week. And with the grace. Of our Lord. Jesus Christ. And the love of God.
[46:36] And the fellowship. Of the Holy Spirit. Be with you all. Now and forevermore. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen.
[46:47] Amen. Amen.