WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.780 Well, good morning, everyone. 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:05.940 Lovely to see you. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:08.400 And a very happy Mother's Day. 00:00:09.660 --> 00:00:12.000 So, special mention to all those mums 00:00:12.000 --> 00:00:14.160 who've managed to actually get out of the house on time 00:00:14.160 --> 00:00:15.419 and drag all the kids here, 00:00:15.759 --> 00:00:17.839 and also to our mums and our mum-in-laws. 00:00:18.580 --> 00:00:20.600 Today is a really special Mother's Day for me. 00:00:21.460 --> 00:00:23.000 Terry, can you show the first picture? 00:00:23.980 --> 00:00:27.320 As I'm a granny today, so my baby's had a baby, 00:00:27.320 --> 00:00:29.060 so I just thought I'd share that with you. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:36.320 So, I must admit to being a bit reticent 00:00:36.320 --> 00:00:39.399 when Jess suggested Psalm 23 for the theme, 00:00:39.920 --> 00:00:42.460 as it's usually used at funerals. 00:00:43.380 --> 00:00:46.700 However, as I prayed through it, and read through it, 00:00:46.840 --> 00:00:48.219 and read various commentaries, 00:00:48.820 --> 00:00:51.500 it gradually became clearer how apt it is 00:00:51.500 --> 00:00:53.280 for a Mothering Sunday service. 00:00:54.060 --> 00:00:56.560 I never really appreciated before now 00:00:56.560 --> 00:00:59.980 how vivid a description of how God parents us, 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.579 is articulated in Psalm 23, 00:01:03.859 --> 00:01:05.840 until preparing for this sermon. 00:01:06.920 --> 00:01:08.120 So, this Mothering Sunday, 00:01:08.599 --> 00:01:11.079 let me encourage you to reflect afresh 00:01:11.079 --> 00:01:13.700 on its familiar and comforting words. 00:01:13.700 --> 00:01:19.359 So, along with all the mums and the grannies here today, 00:01:19.480 --> 00:01:21.620 I really want to thank and acknowledge 00:01:21.620 --> 00:01:23.600 all the spiritual mothers today. 00:01:25.060 --> 00:01:27.219 We acknowledge the women who were called mums 00:01:27.219 --> 00:01:29.520 by their children that they birthed and raised, 00:01:29.960 --> 00:01:31.900 but we also acknowledge the women 00:01:31.900 --> 00:01:35.320 who profoundly teach the depth and beauty of motherhood, 00:01:35.319 --> 00:01:38.219 even if they've never raised their own children. 00:01:39.439 --> 00:01:41.159 Some have raised their own children, 00:01:41.379 --> 00:01:44.559 but their motherhood goes way beyond their own home. 00:01:45.419 --> 00:01:46.879 They are all spiritual mothers, 00:01:47.619 --> 00:01:51.000 and are all women that love and invest in someone's story, 00:01:51.179 --> 00:01:53.739 but nurtures someone's heart and soul. 00:01:53.739 --> 00:01:57.579 So, to the women who reflect God's heart to others today, 00:01:58.140 --> 00:01:59.419 I just want to thank you 00:01:59.419 --> 00:02:02.039 and honour each and every one of you. 00:02:03.419 --> 00:02:05.659 So many women come to mind, 00:02:05.759 --> 00:02:06.759 both near and far, 00:02:07.159 --> 00:02:09.500 who have had a great impact and influence 00:02:09.500 --> 00:02:11.199 on my life over the years, 00:02:11.199 --> 00:02:13.419 and also on the life of my children. 00:02:14.699 --> 00:02:16.399 These spiritual mothers have been 00:02:16.399 --> 00:02:19.060 a great spiritual encouragement to me personally, 00:02:19.500 --> 00:02:21.239 and also to the church communities 00:02:21.239 --> 00:02:23.000 that I've been part of, 00:02:23.079 --> 00:02:24.939 both in the past and now. 00:02:25.919 --> 00:02:27.899 So, we're focusing on mothers today, 00:02:28.019 --> 00:02:30.759 but actually, in this day and age especially, 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:33.099 spiritual mothers and fathers 00:02:33.099 --> 00:02:35.099 are so important for his kingdom. 00:02:35.759 --> 00:02:38.579 The family of God is for all generations. 00:02:38.580 --> 00:02:41.320 And today, I want to acknowledge 00:02:41.320 --> 00:02:42.860 and honour these spiritual mothers, 00:02:43.240 --> 00:02:45.420 who are such mothers to their church communities, 00:02:46.100 --> 00:02:47.620 those that nurture and care for people 00:02:47.620 --> 00:02:48.920 in their own unique way. 00:02:49.540 --> 00:02:51.900 And they are such great supporters and encouragers. 00:02:52.460 --> 00:02:54.620 And I love the way that they cheer people on 00:02:54.620 --> 00:02:55.939 in their own race. 00:02:56.760 --> 00:02:58.460 So, I have a personal example here, 00:02:58.760 --> 00:03:00.460 if Terry could put the next photo off. 00:03:00.740 --> 00:03:01.840 So, here we get all my family here. 00:03:01.880 --> 00:03:02.980 So, this is last year. 00:03:03.880 --> 00:03:06.080 My daughter, Evie, and her husband, Ali, 00:03:06.080 --> 00:03:08.480 got married during COVID restrictions. 00:03:09.500 --> 00:03:10.760 And what we are anticipating 00:03:10.760 --> 00:03:13.340 of being a bit of a damp squid of a day 00:03:13.340 --> 00:03:15.240 turned out, in the end, 00:03:15.300 --> 00:03:16.920 to be a great day of celebration 00:03:16.920 --> 00:03:20.320 and rather raucous behaviour at times 00:03:20.320 --> 00:03:23.980 due to the consumption of the Aldi speciality wine. 00:03:24.600 --> 00:03:25.520 But we won't go there. 00:03:26.280 --> 00:03:27.900 If you are listening to this online, 00:03:28.180 --> 00:03:29.460 you know who you were. 00:03:31.060 --> 00:03:32.760 But surrounding her here 00:03:32.760 --> 00:03:35.380 are a group of her spiritual mums and dads 00:03:35.379 --> 00:03:37.620 that have supported us as a family 00:03:37.620 --> 00:03:40.780 since we moved down here in 2006. 00:03:41.740 --> 00:03:44.120 Kim, the lovely lady stood just beside her 00:03:44.120 --> 00:03:44.979 with the blonde hair, 00:03:45.719 --> 00:03:47.359 was her kids' band worship leader 00:03:47.359 --> 00:03:48.340 from the age of 10. 00:03:48.939 --> 00:03:50.259 And she's one of the most beautiful 00:03:50.259 --> 00:03:52.240 and prophetic ladies I've ever known. 00:03:53.019 --> 00:03:55.259 She never says anything bad about anybody. 00:03:56.319 --> 00:03:58.079 And this can be a real challenge. 00:03:58.719 --> 00:04:00.519 She often challenges you 00:04:00.519 --> 00:04:02.519 in a very gentle but godly way. 00:04:02.520 --> 00:04:04.580 We know that we're being told off, 00:04:04.659 --> 00:04:06.280 but it's beautiful how she tells us off. 00:04:06.740 --> 00:04:08.719 So the saying in our house would often be 00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:09.960 not what would Jesus do, 00:04:10.080 --> 00:04:11.460 but what would Kim do? 00:04:12.260 --> 00:04:12.920 So that was there. 00:04:13.500 --> 00:04:14.500 And then Donna and Ray, 00:04:14.580 --> 00:04:15.820 right at the far end there. 00:04:16.360 --> 00:04:17.379 They've been friends of ours 00:04:17.379 --> 00:04:18.680 since the twins and their kids 00:04:18.680 --> 00:04:19.660 were at nursery together. 00:04:20.139 --> 00:04:21.519 And we have supported each other 00:04:21.519 --> 00:04:22.699 through house moves, 00:04:23.259 --> 00:04:24.420 kids' struggles at school, 00:04:24.860 --> 00:04:26.900 illness, bereavement of family members, 00:04:26.899 --> 00:04:28.979 and helping to care for our kids 00:04:28.979 --> 00:04:31.620 when I broke my leg in 2008 00:04:31.620 --> 00:04:33.599 and supporting us all 00:04:33.599 --> 00:04:36.279 when Evie was seriously ill 00:04:36.279 --> 00:04:38.739 and nearly died at the age of 16 00:04:38.739 --> 00:04:40.399 after a bodge operation. 00:04:41.139 --> 00:04:44.079 So in short, we do life together. 00:04:44.879 --> 00:04:45.719 And Pam and Wendy, 00:04:45.879 --> 00:04:47.279 the lady beside Ali 00:04:47.279 --> 00:04:48.399 and the lady at the end, 00:04:48.919 --> 00:04:50.679 lovely ladies from our home church 00:04:50.679 --> 00:04:51.759 who have loved and cared 00:04:51.759 --> 00:04:52.799 for all of our kids 00:04:52.800 --> 00:04:54.400 and always been there 00:04:54.400 --> 00:04:56.319 for a chat, a hug and a prayer. 00:04:57.259 --> 00:04:58.520 And the reason that they're all 00:04:58.520 --> 00:04:59.280 on this picture 00:04:59.280 --> 00:05:00.980 when all we could have at the wedding 00:05:00.980 --> 00:05:03.060 was 13 people in May last year, 00:05:03.740 --> 00:05:05.180 they were the catering team 00:05:05.180 --> 00:05:06.759 for Evie and Ali's reception. 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:08.879 The only ones actually 00:05:08.879 --> 00:05:09.660 that were qualified 00:05:09.660 --> 00:05:10.580 were Pam and Wendy 00:05:10.580 --> 00:05:11.780 and you could tell 00:05:11.780 --> 00:05:13.740 from the way various people 00:05:13.740 --> 00:05:14.900 were running around with things. 00:05:15.560 --> 00:05:17.379 But they all helped 00:05:17.379 --> 00:05:18.560 and mucked in 00:05:18.560 --> 00:05:19.860 so that they could be there 00:05:19.860 --> 00:05:20.840 to support Evie, 00:05:21.300 --> 00:05:22.480 their spiritual daughter, 00:05:22.800 --> 00:05:23.960 on her wedding day. 00:05:24.939 --> 00:05:25.939 And all these people 00:05:25.939 --> 00:05:27.139 were lovely Christian people 00:05:27.139 --> 00:05:28.560 that were led by their shepherd 00:05:28.560 --> 00:05:30.100 and in turn, 00:05:30.579 --> 00:05:31.800 they impart that to others. 00:05:32.460 --> 00:05:33.420 And that is why 00:05:33.420 --> 00:05:34.340 it's so important 00:05:34.340 --> 00:05:36.139 to have spiritual mothers 00:05:36.139 --> 00:05:37.199 in your life. 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:39.560 So today I'm talking 00:05:39.560 --> 00:05:40.439 about the good shepherd. 00:05:41.519 --> 00:05:43.040 God is the true shepherd 00:05:43.040 --> 00:05:45.060 and we are to shepherd others 00:05:45.060 --> 00:05:45.980 from his example. 00:05:47.019 --> 00:05:48.240 So what does shepherd mean? 00:05:48.939 --> 00:05:50.519 The Bible mentions shepherds 00:05:50.519 --> 00:05:51.340 and their shepherding 00:05:51.339 --> 00:05:52.899 over 200 times. 00:05:53.579 --> 00:05:53.919 However, 00:05:54.019 --> 00:05:54.779 the Hebrew word 00:05:54.779 --> 00:05:55.459 for shepherding 00:05:55.459 --> 00:05:57.019 is often translated 00:05:57.019 --> 00:05:57.919 as feeding. 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:00.060 Shepherds lead to pasture 00:06:00.060 --> 00:06:00.799 and water 00:06:00.799 --> 00:06:02.239 and protect them 00:06:02.239 --> 00:06:03.279 from wild animals. 00:06:04.299 --> 00:06:04.919 Shepherds guarded 00:06:04.919 --> 00:06:05.979 their flocks at night, 00:06:06.120 --> 00:06:06.939 whether in the open 00:06:06.939 --> 00:06:07.679 or in the sheepfolds, 00:06:08.479 --> 00:06:09.799 where they counted the sheep 00:06:09.799 --> 00:06:10.579 as they entered 00:06:10.579 --> 00:06:11.819 and they took care 00:06:11.819 --> 00:06:12.319 of the sheep 00:06:12.319 --> 00:06:13.139 and even carried 00:06:13.139 --> 00:06:13.879 the weak lambs 00:06:13.879 --> 00:06:14.579 in their arms. 00:06:14.579 --> 00:06:17.120 So today I want to share 00:06:17.120 --> 00:06:17.759 about Jesus, 00:06:17.879 --> 00:06:18.539 the good shepherd, 00:06:18.939 --> 00:06:20.240 as part of the good news 00:06:20.240 --> 00:06:20.819 of the gospel. 00:06:21.919 --> 00:06:22.800 In Psalm 23, 00:06:23.000 --> 00:06:24.000 it describes the Lord 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:25.139 as our shepherd 00:06:25.139 --> 00:06:26.479 and what he has 00:06:26.479 --> 00:06:27.459 for each one of us 00:06:27.459 --> 00:06:28.399 who come to him. 00:06:29.099 --> 00:06:29.979 So what does a shepherd 00:06:29.979 --> 00:06:30.620 look like 00:06:30.620 --> 00:06:31.939 when we let him shepherd us? 00:06:32.819 --> 00:06:34.060 The Lord is my shepherd, 00:06:34.139 --> 00:06:34.819 I lack nothing. 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:36.060 He makes me lie down 00:06:36.060 --> 00:06:36.959 in green pastures. 00:06:37.259 --> 00:06:37.919 He leads me 00:06:37.919 --> 00:06:38.860 to quiet waters. 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:40.719 He refreshes my soul. 00:06:40.819 --> 00:06:41.599 He guides me. 00:06:42.000 --> 00:06:43.259 He's always with me. 00:06:43.259 --> 00:06:44.500 And even when I walk 00:06:44.500 --> 00:06:45.019 through the valley, 00:06:45.180 --> 00:06:46.159 he prepares a table 00:06:46.159 --> 00:06:47.099 before my enemies. 00:06:47.539 --> 00:06:48.800 He anoints my head 00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:49.219 with oil. 00:06:49.339 --> 00:06:50.420 My cup overflows. 00:06:50.939 --> 00:06:52.279 His goodness and love 00:06:52.279 --> 00:06:53.339 follow me forever. 00:06:54.240 --> 00:06:55.360 We all have access 00:06:55.360 --> 00:06:56.240 to these promises 00:06:56.240 --> 00:06:58.159 and it's such a beautiful 00:06:58.159 --> 00:06:59.420 invitation for us 00:06:59.420 --> 00:07:00.920 to put our trust in him, 00:07:01.500 --> 00:07:03.019 to rest and be refreshed, 00:07:03.719 --> 00:07:04.800 to see his goodness 00:07:04.800 --> 00:07:06.439 overflow in our lives. 00:07:07.180 --> 00:07:08.500 The promise of a feast 00:07:08.500 --> 00:07:09.139 and abundance 00:07:09.139 --> 00:07:09.879 in the presence 00:07:09.879 --> 00:07:10.560 of our enemies 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:12.099 and to let him be 00:07:12.099 --> 00:07:12.599 the shepherd 00:07:12.600 --> 00:07:13.640 in our lives. 00:07:14.439 --> 00:07:15.460 In this scripture, 00:07:15.620 --> 00:07:16.580 there's so much depth 00:07:16.580 --> 00:07:17.180 to uncover. 00:07:17.920 --> 00:07:19.040 When David wrote this, 00:07:19.120 --> 00:07:20.140 it shows his trust 00:07:20.140 --> 00:07:20.740 in the Lord, 00:07:20.840 --> 00:07:21.300 his shepherd. 00:07:22.240 --> 00:07:23.080 He knew that the Lord 00:07:23.080 --> 00:07:24.220 would take care of him, 00:07:24.700 --> 00:07:25.700 not only to a place 00:07:25.700 --> 00:07:26.800 of comfort and peace, 00:07:27.460 --> 00:07:28.600 to not only protect him 00:07:28.600 --> 00:07:29.600 in times of trouble 00:07:29.600 --> 00:07:31.460 and provide him food 00:07:31.460 --> 00:07:32.560 in hard times 00:07:32.560 --> 00:07:33.580 in the presence 00:07:33.580 --> 00:07:34.240 of his enemies, 00:07:34.960 --> 00:07:36.260 but also to provide him 00:07:36.260 --> 00:07:36.980 with the nourishment 00:07:36.980 --> 00:07:39.920 necessary for his life's purpose. 00:07:39.920 --> 00:07:42.379 David knew and trusted 00:07:42.379 --> 00:07:42.980 his shepherd 00:07:42.980 --> 00:07:44.300 and the shepherd 00:07:44.300 --> 00:07:45.560 provides nourishment 00:07:45.560 --> 00:07:47.800 for all of our callings too. 00:07:49.199 --> 00:07:50.460 What he has for you 00:07:50.460 --> 00:07:51.420 will sustain you 00:07:51.420 --> 00:07:52.379 like nothing else. 00:07:53.060 --> 00:07:54.020 So turn your eyes 00:07:54.020 --> 00:07:54.700 back to him 00:07:54.700 --> 00:07:56.180 and then the fruit 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:56.840 of your life 00:07:56.840 --> 00:07:57.800 will nourish others. 00:08:02.740 --> 00:08:04.240 Mothers are a great example 00:08:04.240 --> 00:08:04.879 of shepherds 00:08:04.879 --> 00:08:05.540 in our lives. 00:08:05.540 --> 00:08:08.300 These attributes of Jesus 00:08:08.300 --> 00:08:09.300 are also seen 00:08:09.300 --> 00:08:09.939 through mothers 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:11.420 in how mothers give, 00:08:11.680 --> 00:08:12.640 in how they feed 00:08:12.640 --> 00:08:13.280 and provide 00:08:13.280 --> 00:08:14.520 and how they guide 00:08:14.520 --> 00:08:15.220 and encourage, 00:08:15.600 --> 00:08:16.460 how they protect, 00:08:16.819 --> 00:08:17.480 how they empower 00:08:17.480 --> 00:08:18.800 and how they care 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:19.879 for those in their flock 00:08:19.879 --> 00:08:21.500 and how they sacrifice 00:08:21.500 --> 00:08:22.939 and many more. 00:08:24.100 --> 00:08:25.020 These attributes 00:08:25.020 --> 00:08:26.240 are all a reflection 00:08:26.240 --> 00:08:26.840 of Jesus, 00:08:27.360 --> 00:08:27.980 the good shepherd. 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.439 If we look at another passage 00:08:30.439 --> 00:08:30.960 in John, 00:08:31.060 --> 00:08:31.620 John 10, 00:08:32.200 --> 00:08:32.480 it says, 00:08:32.560 --> 00:08:33.399 I'm the gatekeeper. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:35.079 Whoever enters through me 00:08:35.079 --> 00:08:35.899 will be saved. 00:08:36.439 --> 00:08:37.319 They will come in 00:08:37.319 --> 00:08:38.039 and go out 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:38.980 and find pasture. 00:08:39.899 --> 00:08:40.379 And it says, 00:08:40.539 --> 00:08:41.519 the thief comes only 00:08:41.519 --> 00:08:42.100 to steal, 00:08:42.319 --> 00:08:43.419 kill and destroy. 00:08:43.919 --> 00:08:44.679 I have come 00:08:44.679 --> 00:08:45.679 that they may have life 00:08:45.679 --> 00:08:47.199 and life to the full. 00:08:48.039 --> 00:08:48.819 So the thief 00:08:48.819 --> 00:08:50.059 that's referring to someone 00:08:50.059 --> 00:08:51.319 who enters a sheep hen 00:08:51.319 --> 00:08:52.559 without going 00:08:52.559 --> 00:08:53.519 through the gatekeepers. 00:08:54.299 --> 00:08:55.319 So the characteristics 00:08:55.319 --> 00:08:56.199 of the thief, 00:08:56.559 --> 00:08:57.799 the thief wants to deceive 00:08:57.799 --> 00:08:58.879 and the only motive 00:08:58.879 --> 00:08:59.620 is to scatter 00:08:59.620 --> 00:09:00.500 and destroy 00:09:00.500 --> 00:09:01.259 and to kill 00:09:01.259 --> 00:09:02.879 and to bring disunity 00:09:02.879 --> 00:09:04.220 amongst the sheep 00:09:04.220 --> 00:09:05.559 to lead them away 00:09:05.559 --> 00:09:06.299 from their shepherd. 00:09:07.100 --> 00:09:07.799 So that's why 00:09:07.799 --> 00:09:08.600 it's so important 00:09:08.600 --> 00:09:09.240 that you know 00:09:09.240 --> 00:09:10.379 the shepherd for yourself. 00:09:11.200 --> 00:09:12.019 And the only way 00:09:12.019 --> 00:09:12.600 to the father 00:09:12.600 --> 00:09:13.820 is through the gatekeeper, 00:09:14.059 --> 00:09:14.799 which is Jesus. 00:09:15.799 --> 00:09:16.460 And then it says, 00:09:16.519 --> 00:09:17.039 so it says, 00:09:17.179 --> 00:09:17.860 I have come 00:09:17.860 --> 00:09:19.500 that you may have life 00:09:19.500 --> 00:09:20.879 and life to the full. 00:09:21.059 --> 00:09:22.100 So Jesus came 00:09:22.100 --> 00:09:23.879 so that we can live life 00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:24.360 to the full 00:09:24.360 --> 00:09:25.439 under the good shepherd. 00:09:26.559 --> 00:09:27.100 And finally, 00:09:27.159 --> 00:09:27.340 it says, 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:28.120 I'm the good shepherd. 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:29.139 I know my sheep 00:09:29.139 --> 00:09:29.940 and they know me 00:09:29.940 --> 00:09:30.880 in the same way 00:09:30.880 --> 00:09:32.300 the father's known me 00:09:32.300 --> 00:09:33.500 and I know the father. 00:09:34.600 --> 00:09:35.120 Jesus, 00:09:35.280 --> 00:09:35.880 the good shepherd, 00:09:36.040 --> 00:09:36.900 knows his sheep. 00:09:37.300 --> 00:09:38.980 He knows every single one of them. 00:09:39.140 --> 00:09:40.880 He calls every single one of them 00:09:40.880 --> 00:09:41.580 by name 00:09:41.580 --> 00:09:43.100 and he knows you 00:09:43.100 --> 00:09:44.560 and every single detail 00:09:44.560 --> 00:09:45.300 about you. 00:09:46.360 --> 00:09:47.160 And a mother knows 00:09:47.160 --> 00:09:48.100 their child's voice 00:09:48.100 --> 00:09:49.220 and can recognize it 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:50.000 when they hear them. 00:09:50.580 --> 00:09:51.640 And a child knows 00:09:51.640 --> 00:09:52.600 their mother's voice. 00:09:53.560 --> 00:09:54.440 A mother's voice 00:09:54.440 --> 00:09:56.120 is one of the first recognitions, 00:09:56.280 --> 00:09:57.900 a sound that a baby hears 00:09:57.899 --> 00:09:59.279 when inside the womb. 00:10:00.059 --> 00:10:01.500 So our roles as mums 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:02.779 or as any of us 00:10:02.779 --> 00:10:03.959 as spiritual parents 00:10:03.959 --> 00:10:05.379 from all generations 00:10:05.379 --> 00:10:07.139 are to know the shepherd 00:10:07.139 --> 00:10:09.139 and then to show the shepherd 00:10:09.139 --> 00:10:10.559 through how we live 00:10:10.559 --> 00:10:11.500 and lead others. 00:10:12.399 --> 00:10:13.819 Being the shepherd's voice 00:10:13.819 --> 00:10:15.079 for the next generation, 00:10:15.819 --> 00:10:17.220 to speak the voice of Jesus 00:10:17.220 --> 00:10:18.759 so that all of our children 00:10:18.759 --> 00:10:20.120 and our spiritual children 00:10:20.120 --> 00:10:21.500 are being led, 00:10:22.079 --> 00:10:22.500 nurtured 00:10:22.500 --> 00:10:23.319 and encouraged 00:10:23.319 --> 00:10:24.220 by the good shepherd. 00:10:25.340 --> 00:10:25.960 To know 00:10:25.960 --> 00:10:26.799 and to show 00:10:26.799 --> 00:10:27.639 the good shepherd. 00:10:27.899 --> 00:10:30.959 Jesus always puts 00:10:30.959 --> 00:10:32.139 his sheep before himself 00:10:32.139 --> 00:10:33.620 and he's always 00:10:33.620 --> 00:10:34.459 about the one. 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:36.179 As in the parable 00:10:36.179 --> 00:10:37.379 about the lost sheep, 00:10:38.079 --> 00:10:39.379 his heart is to gather 00:10:39.379 --> 00:10:41.639 and Jesus shows his life 00:10:41.639 --> 00:10:42.459 a sacrifice 00:10:42.459 --> 00:10:44.179 as how he laid down 00:10:44.179 --> 00:10:45.039 his own life 00:10:45.039 --> 00:10:46.539 out of his free will 00:10:46.539 --> 00:10:48.199 and walking in the authority 00:10:48.199 --> 00:10:49.100 that was given to him 00:10:49.100 --> 00:10:49.899 by his father. 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:52.220 So Jesus is the good shepherd. 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:53.559 His attributes 00:10:53.559 --> 00:10:54.679 as the good shepherd 00:10:54.679 --> 00:10:55.799 are faithfulness, 00:10:55.799 --> 00:10:56.479 compassion, 00:10:57.120 --> 00:10:57.439 guidance 00:10:57.439 --> 00:10:58.299 and protection. 00:10:58.959 --> 00:10:59.879 And we can also see 00:10:59.879 --> 00:11:00.479 these attributes 00:11:00.479 --> 00:11:01.439 through mothers. 00:11:02.079 --> 00:11:03.120 As you follow the shepherd, 00:11:03.279 --> 00:11:04.019 his character, 00:11:04.599 --> 00:11:05.319 his attributes 00:11:05.319 --> 00:11:06.659 flow through your life. 00:11:07.359 --> 00:11:09.000 So my prayer for us all 00:11:09.000 --> 00:11:11.339 is that we let the shepherd lead us. 00:11:11.919 --> 00:11:12.919 Let him lead us 00:11:12.919 --> 00:11:14.099 beside still waters. 00:11:14.639 --> 00:11:15.939 Let him take us 00:11:15.939 --> 00:11:17.479 to the oasis of peace 00:11:17.480 --> 00:11:19.320 and let him bring nourishment 00:11:19.320 --> 00:11:20.600 to our life's calling. 00:11:21.320 --> 00:11:22.220 Let him uplift, 00:11:22.800 --> 00:11:24.180 encourage and enlighten us 00:11:24.180 --> 00:11:24.720 in truth 00:11:24.720 --> 00:11:26.259 of your true identity 00:11:26.259 --> 00:11:27.940 and that you know 00:11:27.940 --> 00:11:28.960 that you belong to him. 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:31.560 Let him call out 00:11:31.560 --> 00:11:32.740 the gold in you 00:11:32.740 --> 00:11:34.860 so that you can call it out 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:36.000 in the next generation 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:36.980 and in others. 00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:38.800 Let him guide 00:11:38.800 --> 00:11:39.560 and empower you 00:11:39.560 --> 00:11:40.580 to impart wisdom 00:11:40.580 --> 00:11:41.340 to love 00:11:41.340 --> 00:11:42.320 and to shepherd you 00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:44.080 and freely you receive 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:45.420 and freely you give. 00:11:46.260 --> 00:11:47.320 And I pray that you will 00:11:47.320 --> 00:11:48.840 lean into the good shepherd 00:11:48.840 --> 00:11:50.700 so that as you receive him 00:11:50.700 --> 00:11:51.540 it will overflow 00:11:51.540 --> 00:11:52.780 out of your life 00:11:52.780 --> 00:11:54.000 and impact 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:55.240 on those around you. 00:11:56.120 --> 00:11:57.420 And I pray that we all 00:11:57.420 --> 00:11:58.379 take that responsibility 00:11:58.379 --> 00:11:59.660 to shepherd others, 00:12:00.200 --> 00:12:01.220 that you can lead them 00:12:01.220 --> 00:12:02.320 to green pastures 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:03.860 and to the living water 00:12:03.860 --> 00:12:05.320 and that you can help 00:12:05.320 --> 00:12:06.200 gather his sheep 00:12:06.200 --> 00:12:06.880 to nurture, 00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:07.940 to care 00:12:07.940 --> 00:12:08.760 and to impart 00:12:08.759 --> 00:12:10.919 and to speak wise words 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:12.139 that build up 00:12:12.139 --> 00:12:13.220 and edify people 00:12:13.220 --> 00:12:15.139 and that bring out life. 00:12:16.059 --> 00:12:17.100 So as a mother, 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:18.500 a spiritual mother, 00:12:18.819 --> 00:12:20.159 as a son or a daughter, 00:12:20.480 --> 00:12:21.620 as a child of God, 00:12:22.179 --> 00:12:23.139 the Father's desire 00:12:23.139 --> 00:12:24.200 is for all of us 00:12:24.200 --> 00:12:24.919 to know him 00:12:24.919 --> 00:12:26.460 and to know his voice. 00:12:27.220 --> 00:12:28.340 My favourite verse 00:12:28.340 --> 00:12:29.179 in the psalm is 00:12:29.179 --> 00:12:30.120 surely your goodness 00:12:30.120 --> 00:12:31.279 and unfailing love 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:32.319 will pursue me 00:12:32.319 --> 00:12:34.319 all the days of my life 00:12:34.319 --> 00:12:35.419 and I will live 00:12:35.419 --> 00:12:36.799 in the house of the Lord. 00:12:36.799 --> 00:12:40.120 That however far off I go, 00:12:40.399 --> 00:12:42.099 he's constantly pursuing me 00:12:42.099 --> 00:12:43.079 and he's not going 00:12:43.079 --> 00:12:43.839 to give up on me 00:12:43.839 --> 00:12:45.019 and he's not giving up 00:12:45.019 --> 00:12:45.620 on you too. 00:12:46.659 --> 00:12:47.439 And when we die, 00:12:47.559 --> 00:12:48.779 our lives will be even better 00:12:48.779 --> 00:12:49.899 because we get to spend 00:12:49.899 --> 00:12:51.120 eternity with God. 00:12:52.059 --> 00:12:53.259 Psalm 23 reminds us 00:12:53.259 --> 00:12:53.779 that no matter 00:12:53.779 --> 00:12:55.159 what we are going through, 00:12:55.979 --> 00:12:57.339 that we're not alone 00:12:57.339 --> 00:12:59.019 in the very difficult trials 00:12:59.019 --> 00:12:59.679 that come along. 00:13:01.059 --> 00:13:02.179 I don't know about you, 00:13:02.240 --> 00:13:02.779 but last year, 00:13:02.839 --> 00:13:03.620 I couldn't wait 00:13:03.620 --> 00:13:05.319 for 2020 to be over. 00:13:05.320 --> 00:13:07.200 But this year, 00:13:07.400 --> 00:13:07.940 even though, 00:13:08.080 --> 00:13:08.560 thank goodness, 00:13:08.780 --> 00:13:10.160 most people have been vaccinated, 00:13:10.860 --> 00:13:12.520 although numbers are rising, 00:13:12.760 --> 00:13:13.620 most people are not 00:13:13.620 --> 00:13:14.540 being really ill. 00:13:15.800 --> 00:13:16.560 There's still a lot 00:13:16.560 --> 00:13:17.520 of scary stuff 00:13:17.520 --> 00:13:18.580 going on in the world, 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:20.620 especially what's happening 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:22.120 with Ukraine and Russia 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:24.000 and things that we're also, 00:13:24.140 --> 00:13:24.800 that we're personally 00:13:24.800 --> 00:13:25.460 worried about. 00:13:26.340 --> 00:13:27.500 This psalm can also 00:13:27.500 --> 00:13:28.480 help us to recall 00:13:28.480 --> 00:13:29.600 that however fearful 00:13:29.600 --> 00:13:30.500 or worried we are 00:13:30.500 --> 00:13:31.140 right now, 00:13:31.580 --> 00:13:32.420 there are many others 00:13:32.420 --> 00:13:33.340 who find themselves 00:13:33.340 --> 00:13:34.680 in much greater peril 00:13:34.680 --> 00:13:36.000 through no fault 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:36.519 of their own. 00:13:39.660 --> 00:13:40.460 So finally, 00:13:40.600 --> 00:13:41.540 recognizing that 00:13:41.540 --> 00:13:42.280 he knows you 00:13:42.280 --> 00:13:43.519 and he knows your voice, 00:13:43.940 --> 00:13:45.060 he has given you 00:13:45.060 --> 00:13:45.759 that voice. 00:13:46.720 --> 00:13:47.720 And when you know Jesus, 00:13:48.000 --> 00:13:49.040 then you know the Father, 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:50.160 the Lord, 00:13:50.280 --> 00:13:50.780 our Shepherd. 00:13:51.960 --> 00:13:53.080 Jesus is the perfect 00:13:53.080 --> 00:13:54.560 representation of the Father. 00:13:55.320 --> 00:13:56.720 And when you see Jesus, 00:13:57.340 --> 00:13:58.360 you will see the Father. 00:13:58.360 --> 00:13:59.840 Amen.