Kingdom Shepherd | Michael Gossett | Luke 15:1-7

You know, I remember it like yesterday You know, I remember it like yesterday uh the very first uh fire call that I uh the very first uh fire call that I uh the very first uh fire call that I ever went on and I was so excited and I ever went on and I was so excited and I ever went on and I was so excited and I remember as soon as the fire tones remember as soon as the fire tones remember as soon as the fire tones dropped, okay, there were different dropped, okay, there were different dropped, okay, there were different tones for EMS calls versus fire calls tones for EMS calls versus fire calls tones for EMS calls versus fire calls and the fire tones dropped and I and the fire tones dropped and I and the fire tones dropped and I remember thinking to myself, please call remember thinking to myself, please call remember thinking to myself, please call station three. That's where I was at. station three. That's where I was at. station three. That's where I was at. Which is what all the young guys do. All Which is what all the young guys do. All Which is what all the young guys do. All the young guys are hoping that they're the young guys are hoping that they're the young guys are hoping that they're being called out. All the veteran, all being called out. All the veteran, all being called out. All the veteran, all the uh more seasoned, not old, but the uh more seasoned, not old, but the uh more seasoned, not old, but seasoned guys, they're like, "Please let seasoned guys, they're like, "Please let seasoned guys, they're like, "Please let it be another station." Right? And I it be another station." Right? And I it be another station." Right? And I remember as soon as the dispatcher remember as soon as the dispatcher remember as soon as the dispatcher started going, she said, started going, she said, started going, she said, "Engine three, "Engine three, "Engine three, med three, engine 11, med 11, engine 13, med three, engine 11, med 11, engine 13, med three, engine 11, med 11, engine 13, ladder 5, rescue 7, battalion one, ladder 5, rescue 7, battalion one, ladder 5, rescue 7, battalion one, respond to respond to respond to residential fire." And I was like, residential fire." And I was like, residential fire." And I was like, "Yes." "Yes." "Yes." Just hoping it wasn't just a false Just hoping it wasn't just a false Just hoping it wasn't just a false alarm. Isn't that terrible, by the way?

alarm. Isn't that terrible, by the way? alarm. Isn't that terrible, by the way? Hoping that there's an actual fire. Now, Hoping that there's an actual fire. Now, Hoping that there's an actual fire. Now, here's what I have to preface with. I do here's what I have to preface with. I do here's what I have to preface with. I do not want anyone's house to burn. Nobody. not want anyone's house to burn. Nobody. not want anyone's house to burn. Nobody. But if it does burn, I want to be there. But if it does burn, I want to be there. But if it does burn, I want to be there. Okay, that's the difference. And I Okay, that's the difference. And I Okay, that's the difference. And I remember we show up on the scene and remember we show up on the scene and remember we show up on the scene and there's about 25% of the structure was there's about 25% of the structure was there's about 25% of the structure was involved and which made it perfect for involved and which made it perfect for involved and which made it perfect for an aggressive interior attack an aggressive interior attack an aggressive interior attack and I was on the nozzle. And so we go in and I was on the nozzle. And so we go in and I was on the nozzle. And so we go in and we're starting to put the fire out and we're starting to put the fire out and we're starting to put the fire out and everybody has their unique and everybody has their unique and everybody has their unique assignment, assignment, assignment, right? The first arriving al engine, right? The first arriving al engine, right? The first arriving al engine, they're they're the ones that uh attack they're they're the ones that uh attack they're they're the ones that uh attack and the second arriving is a supply line and the second arriving is a supply line and the second arriving is a supply line to make sure the attack line has to make sure the attack line has to make sure the attack line has everything it it needed. Uh the first everything it it needed. Uh the first everything it it needed. Uh the first due med unit has uh they go in with uh due med unit has uh they go in with uh due med unit has uh they go in with uh the interior crew. The second due uh med the interior crew. The second due uh med the interior crew. The second due uh med unit uh they are medical and uh the unit uh they are medical and uh the unit uh they are medical and uh the rescue is a part of uh search. Um and rescue is a part of uh search. Um and rescue is a part of uh search. Um and then the ladder is part of ventilation then the ladder is part of ventilation then the ladder is part of ventilation and then the battalion chief doesn't do and then the battalion chief doesn't do and then the battalion chief doesn't do anything but bark orders. I'm kidding.

anything but bark orders. I'm kidding. anything but bark orders. I'm kidding. All right. But he's in charge. All All right. But he's in charge. All All right. But he's in charge. All right. And so everybody has their unique right. And so everybody has their unique right. And so everybody has their unique assignment, but there's one assignment assignment, but there's one assignment assignment, but there's one assignment that everybody usually overlooks and that everybody usually overlooks and that everybody usually overlooks and doesn't think it is that important. doesn't think it is that important. doesn't think it is that important. And that is RIT. And that is RIT. And that is RIT. RIT T. It stands for rapid intervention RIT T. It stands for rapid intervention RIT T. It stands for rapid intervention team. And so you had a you had a two to team. And so you had a you had a two to team. And so you had a you had a two to threeman crew. Usually a threeman crew threeman crew. Usually a threeman crew threeman crew. Usually a threeman crew that they were not allowed to do that they were not allowed to do that they were not allowed to do anything but stand fully dressed in anything but stand fully dressed in anything but stand fully dressed in turnout gear ready to go with their turnout gear ready to go with their turnout gear ready to go with their tools, everything that was necessary for tools, everything that was necessary for tools, everything that was necessary for a rescue. They had to stand right there a rescue. They had to stand right there a rescue. They had to stand right there by the command post and wait by the command post and wait by the command post and wait the entire time. In fact, everybody the entire time. In fact, everybody the entire time. In fact, everybody hated being on RIP because you didn't do hated being on RIP because you didn't do hated being on RIP because you didn't do anything. You stood there dressed, ready anything. You stood there dressed, ready anything. You stood there dressed, ready to go. to go. to go. They didn't do anything They didn't do anything They didn't do anything until they were actually needed. See, until they were actually needed. See, until they were actually needed. See, RIP was set aside in case a firefighter RIP was set aside in case a firefighter RIP was set aside in case a firefighter goes down. And then the entire scene, goes down. And then the entire scene, goes down. And then the entire scene, the entire operation comes to a halt and the entire operation comes to a halt and the entire operation comes to a halt and there is called a mayday over the radio.

there is called a mayday over the radio. there is called a mayday over the radio. And the RIT, they are deployed with one And the RIT, they are deployed with one And the RIT, they are deployed with one purpose and one job, and that is to get purpose and one job, and that is to get purpose and one job, and that is to get the firefighter who has gone down out the firefighter who has gone down out the firefighter who has gone down out and back to safety. and back to safety. and back to safety. It's the worst job until you're actually It's the worst job until you're actually It's the worst job until you're actually needed. needed. needed. You know, I find it interesting because You know, I find it interesting because You know, I find it interesting because this is a lot like what you and I are this is a lot like what you and I are this is a lot like what you and I are actually called to. actually called to. actually called to. You and I are actually a part of this You and I are actually a part of this You and I are actually a part of this RIT team. And I understand that in you RIT team. And I understand that in you RIT team. And I understand that in you know that it's rapid intervention team, know that it's rapid intervention team, know that it's rapid intervention team, but everybody says RIT team. All right. but everybody says RIT team. All right. but everybody says RIT team. All right. uh when you're a part of this team, what uh when you're a part of this team, what uh when you're a part of this team, what that means is that you are standing that means is that you are standing that means is that you are standing ready ready ready at any moment's notice at any moment's notice at any moment's notice to go and retrieve anyone who needs to go and retrieve anyone who needs to go and retrieve anyone who needs help. Now, here is the picture, though, help. Now, here is the picture, though, help. Now, here is the picture, though, because when you get to Luke chapter 15, because when you get to Luke chapter 15, because when you get to Luke chapter 15, and all we're going to be studying this and all we're going to be studying this and all we're going to be studying this morning is is verses 1-7. when you get morning is is verses 1-7. when you get morning is is verses 1-7. when you get to this moment in Luke 15, which is like to this moment in Luke 15, which is like to this moment in Luke 15, which is like the center of the Gospel of Luke and and the center of the Gospel of Luke and and the center of the Gospel of Luke and and it's the center of Jesus's ministry and it's the center of Jesus's ministry and it's the center of Jesus's ministry and it's the center of every theological it's the center of every theological it's the center of every theological nuance. It can be found right here in nuance. It can be found right here in nuance. It can be found right here in Luke 15. And Jesus gives us three Luke 15. And Jesus gives us three Luke 15. And Jesus gives us three parables parables parables to really help us understand who Jesus

to really help us understand who Jesus to really help us understand who Jesus really is. And in our view of who Christ really is. And in our view of who Christ really is. And in our view of who Christ is, what it does is it compels us and is, what it does is it compels us and is, what it does is it compels us and propels us to be what you and I are propels us to be what you and I are propels us to be what you and I are supposed to be. Because in this first supposed to be. Because in this first supposed to be. Because in this first parable in verses 1-7, we see that Jesus parable in verses 1-7, we see that Jesus parable in verses 1-7, we see that Jesus is the kingdom shepherd is the kingdom shepherd is the kingdom shepherd that will do anything that will do anything that will do anything to bring the lost home. And so I want to to bring the lost home. And so I want to to bring the lost home. And so I want to invite you, if you're willing and able, invite you, if you're willing and able, invite you, if you're willing and able, would you stand with me in honor of would you stand with me in honor of would you stand with me in honor of reading God's word together? And this is what it says starting in And this is what it says starting in verse one. verse one. verse one. It says all the tax collectors and It says all the tax collectors and It says all the tax collectors and sinners were approaching sinners were approaching sinners were approaching to listen to him and the Pharisees and to listen to him and the Pharisees and to listen to him and the Pharisees and scribes were complaining. This man scribes were complaining. This man scribes were complaining. This man welcomes sinners and eats with them. welcomes sinners and eats with them. welcomes sinners and eats with them. So he told them this parable. So he told them this parable. So he told them this parable. What man among you who has a hund sheep What man among you who has a hund sheep What man among you who has a hund sheep and loses one of them does not have and loses one of them does not have and loses one of them does not have leave the 99 in the open field and go leave the 99 in the open field and go leave the 99 in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it.

after the lost one until he finds it. after the lost one until he finds it. When he has found it, he joyfully puts When he has found it, he joyfully puts When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders. And coming home, he it on his shoulders. And coming home, he it on his shoulders. And coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors calls his friends and neighbors calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, "Rejoice with together, saying to them, "Rejoice with together, saying to them, "Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep." me because I have found my lost sheep." me because I have found my lost sheep." I tell you, in the same way, there will I tell you, in the same way, there will I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner be more joy in heaven over one sinner be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous who repents than over 99 righteous who repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need repentance. people who don't need repentance. people who don't need repentance. Let's pray. God, would you help us Let's pray. God, would you help us Let's pray. God, would you help us to hear your word today? Father, I pray to hear your word today? Father, I pray to hear your word today? Father, I pray that your spirit would apply it to our that your spirit would apply it to our that your spirit would apply it to our hearts that we would hear it clearly, hearts that we would hear it clearly, hearts that we would hear it clearly, that we would see it clearly. And father that we would see it clearly. And father that we would see it clearly. And father that today you would give us a deeper that today you would give us a deeper that today you would give us a deeper and maybe by your grace an even more and maybe by your grace an even more and maybe by your grace an even more meaningful understanding meaningful understanding meaningful understanding of the fact that you are the kingdom of the fact that you are the kingdom of the fact that you are the kingdom shepherd shepherd shepherd that is good who is faithful and that is good who is faithful and that is good who is faithful and trustworthy and it's in the name of trustworthy and it's in the name of trustworthy and it's in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen. You may be seated Jesus we pray. Amen. You may be seated Jesus we pray. Amen. You may be seated once again.

once again. once again. You know, if you remember the way that You know, if you remember the way that You know, if you remember the way that Luke chapter 14 ended in verse 35, Luke chapter 14 ended in verse 35, Luke chapter 14 ended in verse 35, Luke narrates this, but he tells us in Luke narrates this, but he tells us in Luke narrates this, but he tells us in verse 35, he says verse 35, he says verse 35, he says uh that essentially uh that essentially uh that essentially um whoever has ears um whoever has ears um whoever has ears listen. listen. listen. Whoever has ears to hear, listen. And Whoever has ears to hear, listen. And Whoever has ears to hear, listen. And then the very opening scene of Luke then the very opening scene of Luke then the very opening scene of Luke 15:E1 is all the tax collectors and 15:E1 is all the tax collectors and 15:E1 is all the tax collectors and sinners were approaching sinners were approaching sinners were approaching to listen to him. All right? So you have to listen to him. All right? So you have to listen to him. All right? So you have have this understanding from Luke 14. have this understanding from Luke 14. have this understanding from Luke 14. Hey, anyone who has ears, man, you come Hey, anyone who has ears, man, you come Hey, anyone who has ears, man, you come and listen. And then Luke tells us who and listen. And then Luke tells us who and listen. And then Luke tells us who was actually listening to Jesus. was actually listening to Jesus. was actually listening to Jesus. The tax collectors, the sinners, The tax collectors, the sinners, The tax collectors, the sinners, those who were lost. they were coming to those who were lost. they were coming to those who were lost. they were coming to Jesus. It reminds me of uh of in the Jesus. It reminds me of uh of in the Jesus. It reminds me of uh of in the Gospel of John when when they come to Gospel of John when when they come to Gospel of John when when they come to Philip and they said listen we just want Philip and they said listen we just want Philip and they said listen we just want to see Jesus. There are people who are to see Jesus. There are people who are to see Jesus. There are people who are eager to hear the words of Christ and eager to hear the words of Christ and eager to hear the words of Christ and then there are people who stiff arm and then there are people who stiff arm and then there are people who stiff arm and push away the words of Christ. That is push away the words of Christ. That is push away the words of Christ. That is the reality. There is no in between. You the reality. There is no in between. You the reality. There is no in between. You are either abiding to the words of are either abiding to the words of are either abiding to the words of Christ and eager to hear the words from Christ and eager to hear the words from Christ and eager to hear the words from Christ or you are indifferent, apathetic Christ or you are indifferent, apathetic Christ or you are indifferent, apathetic to the words of Christ and even pushing to the words of Christ and even pushing to the words of Christ and even pushing away the words of Christ. That's the

away the words of Christ. That's the away the words of Christ. That's the reality that Luke is painting. This is reality that Luke is painting. This is reality that Luke is painting. This is what Jesus is teaching us. It's the same what Jesus is teaching us. It's the same what Jesus is teaching us. It's the same contrast that he gives us as we looked contrast that he gives us as we looked contrast that he gives us as we looked at those who are just a part of the at those who are just a part of the at those who are just a part of the crowd, crowd, crowd, the spectators the spectators the spectators versus those who are intimately versus those who are intimately versus those who are intimately following and abiding in Christ as following and abiding in Christ as following and abiding in Christ as disciples of Jesus. We see the same disciples of Jesus. We see the same disciples of Jesus. We see the same contrast right here. Those who hear and contrast right here. Those who hear and contrast right here. Those who hear and those who do not. those who do not. those who do not. And then he exposes in verse two And then he exposes in verse two And then he exposes in verse two he says he's talking about the ones who he says he's talking about the ones who he says he's talking about the ones who can't hear. can't hear. can't hear. I mean verse two he says I mean verse two he says I mean verse two he says um and the Pharisees and the scribes um and the Pharisees and the scribes um and the Pharisees and the scribes were complaining. were complaining. were complaining. I mean so there is your contrasting I mean so there is your contrasting I mean so there is your contrasting views right there. Complaining versus views right there. Complaining versus views right there. Complaining versus coming to listen. This is what Jesus coming to listen. This is what Jesus coming to listen. This is what Jesus expose is exposing. And the Pharisees expose is exposing. And the Pharisees expose is exposing. And the Pharisees and the scribes, what they were doing is and the scribes, what they were doing is and the scribes, what they were doing is they were upset because they were they were upset because they were they were upset because they were saying, "Hey, this Jesus, he's not doing saying, "Hey, this Jesus, he's not doing saying, "Hey, this Jesus, he's not doing things right.

things right. things right. He's not doing things in the way that we He's not doing things in the way that we He's not doing things in the way that we think he should. This man welcomes think he should. This man welcomes think he should. This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." sinners and eats with them." sinners and eats with them." And so what does Jesus do? And so what does Jesus do? And so what does Jesus do? He lovingly He lovingly He lovingly but clearly but clearly but clearly corrects them. corrects them. corrects them. He gives them three parables. He gives them three parables. He gives them three parables. The first is the one we just read. And The first is the one we just read. And The first is the one we just read. And all three parables have the same all three parables have the same all three parables have the same directive. directive. directive. Something was lost Something was lost Something was lost and then it was found. and then it was found. and then it was found. Something was outside of of God's Something was outside of of God's Something was outside of of God's covering and God's grace and now is back covering and God's grace and now is back covering and God's grace and now is back or a part of the fold once again. All or a part of the fold once again. All or a part of the fold once again. All three parables are pointing, but they three parables are pointing, but they three parables are pointing, but they all have a little bit of difference in all have a little bit of difference in all have a little bit of difference in how we understand it in our own lives. how we understand it in our own lives. how we understand it in our own lives. And what Jesus is really showing us is And what Jesus is really showing us is And what Jesus is really showing us is that, hey, this is what it looks like that, hey, this is what it looks like that, hey, this is what it looks like for him to be our kingdom shepherd. And for him to be our kingdom shepherd. And for him to be our kingdom shepherd. And he wants to under us to understand three he wants to under us to understand three he wants to under us to understand three unique things about him, about Jesus.

unique things about him, about Jesus. unique things about him, about Jesus. And the first is that the shepherd And the first is that the shepherd And the first is that the shepherd pursues the lost. This is what the kingdom shepherd is all This is what the kingdom shepherd is all about. about. about. Pursuing the lost. Pursuing the lost. Pursuing the lost. I I find this interesting because the I I find this interesting because the I I find this interesting because the scribes and the Pharisees, scribes and the Pharisees, scribes and the Pharisees, they are the ones who know the word word they are the ones who know the word word they are the ones who know the word word of God. They know the law of God. They know the law of God. They know the law forward and backward. They know it forward and backward. They know it forward and backward. They know it inside and out. They know the law. And inside and out. They know the law. And inside and out. They know the law. And then you look at this and you're like, then you look at this and you're like, then you look at this and you're like, well, okay, then how did they miss this? well, okay, then how did they miss this? well, okay, then how did they miss this? How did they miss the role of How did they miss the role of How did they miss the role of shephering? shephering? shephering? Because the entire Old Testament is full Because the entire Old Testament is full Because the entire Old Testament is full of warnings and is full of descriptions of warnings and is full of descriptions of warnings and is full of descriptions as God the Father being our good as God the Father being our good as God the Father being our good shepherd. In fact, Isaiah 40:1 says, shepherd. In fact, Isaiah 40:1 says, shepherd. In fact, Isaiah 40:1 says, "He protects his flock." talking about "He protects his flock." talking about "He protects his flock." talking about God.

God. God. Like a shepherd, Like a shepherd, Like a shepherd, he gathers the lambs in his arms he gathers the lambs in his arms he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in the fold of his and carries them in the fold of his and carries them in the fold of his garment. garment. garment. The prophets of the Old Testament over The prophets of the Old Testament over The prophets of the Old Testament over and over again were pointing to this and over again were pointing to this and over again were pointing to this reality, teaching this as God's reality, teaching this as God's reality, teaching this as God's mouthpiece, pointing all of Israel to mouthpiece, pointing all of Israel to mouthpiece, pointing all of Israel to understand that God is the good understand that God is the good understand that God is the good shepherd. Ezekiel chapter 34 even has it shepherd. Ezekiel chapter 34 even has it shepherd. Ezekiel chapter 34 even has it starts out in the beginning in Ezekiel starts out in the beginning in Ezekiel starts out in the beginning in Ezekiel chapter 34 starts out in the beginning chapter 34 starts out in the beginning chapter 34 starts out in the beginning as a rebuke against the prophets of as a rebuke against the prophets of as a rebuke against the prophets of Israel Israel Israel saying how you're you're missing it saying how you're you're missing it saying how you're you're missing it instead of feeding God's people instead of feeding God's people instead of feeding God's people instead of giving them the word all you instead of giving them the word all you instead of giving them the word all you do you just feed yourselves that was the do you just feed yourselves that was the do you just feed yourselves that was the rebuke from Ezekiel from the Lord rebuke from Ezekiel from the Lord rebuke from Ezekiel from the Lord through Ezekiel to these undersheperds through Ezekiel to these undersheperds through Ezekiel to these undersheperds who supposed to be shephering God's who supposed to be shephering God's who supposed to be shephering God's people people people under the authority of God himself.

under the authority of God himself. under the authority of God himself. And then comes the descriptor in verses And then comes the descriptor in verses And then comes the descriptor in verses 11-2. He says, "For this is what the 11-2. He says, "For this is what the 11-2. He says, "For this is what the Lord God says after the rebuke, it is Lord God says after the rebuke, it is Lord God says after the rebuke, it is this is what the Lord God says. See, I this is what the Lord God says. See, I this is what the Lord God says. See, I myself myself myself will search for my flock and look for will search for my flock and look for will search for my flock and look for them. As a shepherd looks for his sheep them. As a shepherd looks for his sheep them. As a shepherd looks for his sheep on the day he is among his scattered on the day he is among his scattered on the day he is among his scattered flock, so I will look for my flock. I flock, so I will look for my flock. I flock, so I will look for my flock. I will rescue them from all the places will rescue them from all the places will rescue them from all the places where they have been scattered on a day where they have been scattered on a day where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and total darkness. of clouds and total darkness. of clouds and total darkness. This is who God is This is who God is This is who God is from the beginning. from the beginning. from the beginning. It was God in the Garden of Eden that It was God in the Garden of Eden that It was God in the Garden of Eden that sought after them. [clears throat] Even sought after them. [clears throat] Even sought after them. [clears throat] Even though that they were hiding in their though that they were hiding in their though that they were hiding in their disgrace, they were hiding in their disgrace, they were hiding in their disgrace, they were hiding in their shame, attempting to cover themselves, shame, attempting to cover themselves, shame, attempting to cover themselves, it was the Lord who went after them. It it was the Lord who went after them. It it was the Lord who went after them. It was the Lord who called out to them. was the Lord who called out to them. was the Lord who called out to them. This is a theme of redemption throughout This is a theme of redemption throughout This is a theme of redemption throughout all of scripture all of scripture all of scripture that it is God who initiates the that it is God who initiates the that it is God who initiates the pursuit.

pursuit. pursuit. Yes, as God's people, you are called to Yes, as God's people, you are called to Yes, as God's people, you are called to pursue God. You are to pursue God in pursue God. You are to pursue God in pursue God. You are to pursue God in righteousness. You are to pursue God in righteousness. You are to pursue God in righteousness. You are to pursue God in holiness. You are to pursue God in holiness. You are to pursue God in holiness. You are to pursue God in ingesting his word and and living like ingesting his word and and living like ingesting his word and and living like Christ. As Paul says in Ephesians Christ. As Paul says in Ephesians Christ. As Paul says in Ephesians chapter 5, he says that we are to live chapter 5, he says that we are to live chapter 5, he says that we are to live in a way that our lives are aimed toward in a way that our lives are aimed toward in a way that our lives are aimed toward holiness and Christlikkeness. holiness and Christlikkeness. holiness and Christlikkeness. But never forget for a moment that it But never forget for a moment that it But never forget for a moment that it was the Lord God who was gracious and was the Lord God who was gracious and was the Lord God who was gracious and merciful who went after wicked and merciful who went after wicked and merciful who went after wicked and disobedient sinners just like me and disobedient sinners just like me and disobedient sinners just like me and you. It was his grace. It is monogistic you. It was his grace. It is monogistic you. It was his grace. It is monogistic meaning that it was God only who pursued meaning that it was God only who pursued meaning that it was God only who pursued after the lost. And this is the same after the lost. And this is the same after the lost. And this is the same picture we see throughout the New picture we see throughout the New picture we see throughout the New Testament of Jesus Christ himself Testament of Jesus Christ himself Testament of Jesus Christ himself that he pursues the lost. He pursues the that he pursues the lost. He pursues the that he pursues the lost. He pursues the sinner. He pursues the wicked. He sinner. He pursues the wicked. He sinner. He pursues the wicked. He pursues the undeserved. Those in need of pursues the undeserved. Those in need of pursues the undeserved. Those in need of grace.

grace. grace. And praise God for them because apart And praise God for them because apart And praise God for them because apart from his pursuit, from his pursuit, from his pursuit, you and I would never repent. you and I would never repent. you and I would never repent. It is his calling, it is his pursuit It is his calling, it is his pursuit It is his calling, it is his pursuit that draws people unto himself. that draws people unto himself. that draws people unto himself. Even Jesus says of himself in John Even Jesus says of himself in John Even Jesus says of himself in John chapter 10 vers 11, he says, "I am the chapter 10 vers 11, he says, "I am the chapter 10 vers 11, he says, "I am the good shepherd." good shepherd." good shepherd." He doesn't just pursue us in looking. He doesn't just pursue us in looking. He doesn't just pursue us in looking. It says that he lays down his life for It says that he lays down his life for It says that he lays down his life for his sheep. his sheep. his sheep. This is the reality of who God is. It is This is the reality of who God is. It is This is the reality of who God is. It is the reality of what Jesus Christ the reality of what Jesus Christ the reality of what Jesus Christ embodied in the flesh brought to embodied in the flesh brought to embodied in the flesh brought to fruition on the cross. fruition on the cross. fruition on the cross. The receipt is there in the The receipt is there in the The receipt is there in the resurrection. resurrection. resurrection. Jesus pursues the lost. And then we come Jesus pursues the lost. And then we come Jesus pursues the lost. And then we come back to the very opening scene of verses back to the very opening scene of verses back to the very opening scene of verses 1 and two.

1 and two. 1 and two. Those who heard and those who did not. Those who heard and those who did not. Those who heard and those who did not. How was it that the ones who knew How was it that the ones who knew How was it that the ones who knew everything about the law missed the fact everything about the law missed the fact everything about the law missed the fact that God is the good shepherd? that God is the good shepherd? that God is the good shepherd? You know, I actually just had this You know, I actually just had this You know, I actually just had this conversation last week uh with my third conversation last week uh with my third conversation last week uh with my third daughter, Rowan. She's number three of daughter, Rowan. She's number three of daughter, Rowan. She's number three of four. Rowan, she comes to me and she's four. Rowan, she comes to me and she's four. Rowan, she comes to me and she's all excited and she's like, "Dad, all excited and she's like, "Dad, all excited and she's like, "Dad, I'm going to read the entire Bible from I'm going to read the entire Bible from I'm going to read the entire Bible from start to finish." I was like, "Man, start to finish." I was like, "Man, start to finish." I was like, "Man, that's great. That's awesome." You know, that's great. That's awesome." You know, that's great. That's awesome." You know, she's in Genesis right now, obviously, she's in Genesis right now, obviously, she's in Genesis right now, obviously, and I'm just waiting for her to get to and I'm just waiting for her to get to and I'm just waiting for her to get to numbers and see how it's still going. numbers and see how it's still going. numbers and see how it's still going. But she told me, she's like, "Hey, I'm But she told me, she's like, "Hey, I'm But she told me, she's like, "Hey, I'm I'm going to do it. I'm going to get I'm going to do it. I'm going to get I'm going to do it. I'm going to get through it. I'm going to do it. through it. I'm going to do it. through it. I'm going to do it. She said, I'm going to read three She said, I'm going to read three She said, I'm going to read three chapters a day, whatever it was. And I chapters a day, whatever it was. And I chapters a day, whatever it was. And I said, I was like, that is great. said, I was like, that is great. said, I was like, that is great. You know, you should make a habit You know, you should make a habit You know, you should make a habit daily of reading God's word. And then I daily of reading God's word. And then I daily of reading God's word. And then I just gave a caution because it's a just gave a caution because it's a just gave a caution because it's a caution that I have to continue to caution that I have to continue to caution that I have to continue to caution my own heart. And I told her, I caution my own heart. And I told her, I caution my own heart. And I told her, I said, 'Rowan, the point is not to get said, 'Rowan, the point is not to get said, 'Rowan, the point is not to get through reading the Bible.

through reading the Bible. through reading the Bible. The point is for the Bible to get The point is for the Bible to get The point is for the Bible to get through reading to you. through reading to you. through reading to you. There is a unique difference, There is a unique difference, There is a unique difference, church. There is a difference between church. There is a difference between church. There is a difference between reading the Bible for efficiency and reading the Bible for efficiency and reading the Bible for efficiency and reading for intimacy. There is a reading for intimacy. There is a reading for intimacy. There is a difference between reading it to gain difference between reading it to gain difference between reading it to gain information rather than by the spirit of information rather than by the spirit of information rather than by the spirit of God to be transformed and conformed to God to be transformed and conformed to God to be transformed and conformed to the image of Christ himself. And all of the image of Christ himself. And all of the image of Christ himself. And all of us fall into this trap. It becomes this us fall into this trap. It becomes this us fall into this trap. It becomes this checklist. checklist. checklist. And I'm not saying that you should stop And I'm not saying that you should stop And I'm not saying that you should stop checking it off your list. What I am checking it off your list. What I am checking it off your list. What I am saying is that there is a difference in saying is that there is a difference in saying is that there is a difference in getting through it and it getting getting through it and it getting getting through it and it getting through to you. through to you. through to you. I certainly know I certainly know I certainly know that's what was happening with the that's what was happening with the that's what was happening with the Pharisees and the scribes. Pharisees and the scribes. Pharisees and the scribes. They knew the letters of the law. They knew the letters of the law. They knew the letters of the law. They did not know the God of the law.

They did not know the God of the law. They did not know the God of the law. It is easy for us to fall into this trap It is easy for us to fall into this trap It is easy for us to fall into this trap that we can quote verses but we don't that we can quote verses but we don't that we can quote verses but we don't know the impact know the impact know the impact that we have a lot of information that we have a lot of information that we have a lot of information and not a lot of transformation. and not a lot of transformation. and not a lot of transformation. That can happen easily in a church that That can happen easily in a church that That can happen easily in a church that has so many offerings and we should not has so many offerings and we should not has so many offerings and we should not reduce offerings. reduce offerings. reduce offerings. We should not reduce the amount of Bible We should not reduce the amount of Bible We should not reduce the amount of Bible studies that we have. We should not studies that we have. We should not studies that we have. We should not reduce the amount of times we gather reduce the amount of times we gather reduce the amount of times we gather together. In fact, Hebrews warns us to together. In fact, Hebrews warns us to together. In fact, Hebrews warns us to get that. Listen, in the last days, get that. Listen, in the last days, get that. Listen, in the last days, listen, as as the days are approaching, listen, as as the days are approaching, listen, as as the days are approaching, don't gather less, don't gather less, don't gather less, gather all the more, gather all the more, gather all the more, be together. Why? Because of exactly be together. Why? Because of exactly be together. Why? Because of exactly what this passage is teaching us. what this passage is teaching us. what this passage is teaching us. Jesus knows. And every shepherd and Jesus knows. And every shepherd and Jesus knows. And every shepherd and every person in Israel would have known every person in Israel would have known every person in Israel would have known the impact of this parable because as the impact of this parable because as the impact of this parable because as soon as Jesus says there is a lost soon as Jesus says there is a lost soon as Jesus says there is a lost sheep, everybody knows what's going on.

sheep, everybody knows what's going on. sheep, everybody knows what's going on. That sheep in isolation cannot defend That sheep in isolation cannot defend That sheep in isolation cannot defend itself, itself, itself, can hardly feed itself. It can it can can hardly feed itself. It can it can can hardly feed itself. It can it can graze a little bit, graze a little bit, graze a little bit, but danger is always lurking. and everybody would have known this is and everybody would have known this is not good. not good. not good. The shepherd has to go after and this The shepherd has to go after and this The shepherd has to go after and this seems like a really poor business seems like a really poor business seems like a really poor business decision, don't you think? I mean, if decision, don't you think? I mean, if decision, don't you think? I mean, if you have a hund sheep you have a hund sheep you have a hund sheep and you have one that is missing, and you have one that is missing, and you have one that is missing, it means you have a 99% success rate. it means you have a 99% success rate. it means you have a 99% success rate. That's pretty good, I would say. That's pretty good, I would say. That's pretty good, I would say. But think about that for a moment. But think about that for a moment. But think about that for a moment. Because listen, we can't think of God's Because listen, we can't think of God's Because listen, we can't think of God's people as business decisions. people as business decisions. people as business decisions. Because you're dealing with souls. Because you're dealing with souls. Because you're dealing with souls. You're dealing with people's lives, with You're dealing with people's lives, with You're dealing with people's lives, with families and marriages.

families and marriages. families and marriages. And in the same way, what Jesus is And in the same way, what Jesus is And in the same way, what Jesus is saying is that he is not just leaving saying is that he is not just leaving saying is that he is not just leaving the 99 to fend for themselves. the 99 to fend for themselves. the 99 to fend for themselves. No, it's the recognition that the 99 are No, it's the recognition that the 99 are No, it's the recognition that the 99 are safe and there is one who is missing. safe and there is one who is missing. safe and there is one who is missing. There is one who is a about to become There is one who is a about to become There is one who is a about to become food for some wolf or lion. food for some wolf or lion. food for some wolf or lion. That's the reality that the shepherds That's the reality that the shepherds That's the reality that the shepherds were facing in Israel. And this is the were facing in Israel. And this is the were facing in Israel. And this is the reality that you and I are facing as a reality that you and I are facing as a reality that you and I are facing as a church. Listen, I want you to just give church. Listen, I want you to just give church. Listen, I want you to just give you a little insight that you see over you a little insight that you see over you a little insight that you see over and over and over again through and over and over again through and over and over again through scripture. Isolation is never good. scripture. Isolation is never good. scripture. Isolation is never good. Pretty profound, right? That's the Pretty profound, right? That's the Pretty profound, right? That's the redneck version. I'm sure there's a redneck version. I'm sure there's a redneck version. I'm sure there's a better version. I'm just saying that better version. I'm just saying that better version. I'm just saying that isolation, it ain't no good. All right? isolation, it ain't no good. All right? isolation, it ain't no good. All right? Because you are at that point, you Because you are at that point, you Because you are at that point, you become an easy target for the predator. become an easy target for the predator. become an easy target for the predator. you become the prey. This is why it is you become the prey. This is why it is you become the prey. This is why it is so important that we have church so important that we have church so important that we have church membership. Church membership is not so membership. Church membership is not so membership. Church membership is not so that you can place your name on a role that you can place your name on a role that you can place your name on a role and then maybe one day as the Lord takes and then maybe one day as the Lord takes and then maybe one day as the Lord takes you away to himself that then you just you away to himself that then you just you away to himself that then you just stay on the role. All right? That's not stay on the role. All right? That's not stay on the role. All right? That's not how it works. Church membership is how it works. Church membership is how it works. Church membership is identification with a group of God's identification with a group of God's identification with a group of God's people for the purpose of people for the purpose of people for the purpose of accountability.

accountability. accountability. You see, the only time that the RIT team You see, the only time that the RIT team You see, the only time that the RIT team was deployed, you know, when because on was deployed, you know, when because on was deployed, you know, when because on a fire scene, every 10 a fire scene, every 10 a fire scene, every 10 to 15 minutes, the battalion chief would to 15 minutes, the battalion chief would to 15 minutes, the battalion chief would get on the radio and he would say, "I get on the radio and he would say, "I get on the radio and he would say, "I need a PAR right now." That's personnel need a PAR right now." That's personnel need a PAR right now." That's personnel accountability report. accountability report. accountability report. And if he doesn't hear back from you, And if he doesn't hear back from you, And if he doesn't hear back from you, you better need the RIP team. All right? you better need the RIP team. All right? you better need the RIP team. All right? And if you don't radio back, hey, engine And if you don't radio back, hey, engine And if you don't radio back, hey, engine three, par. Engine three, all clear. All three, par. Engine three, all clear. All three, par. Engine three, all clear. All right. And he goes through every single right. And he goes through every single right. And he goes through every single company that is on that scene. And as company that is on that scene. And as company that is on that scene. And as soon as somebody does not answer back, soon as somebody does not answer back, soon as somebody does not answer back, Rit is deployed. Rit is deployed. Rit is deployed. No questions asked. No questions asked. No questions asked. They're not trying to determine if if They're not trying to determine if if They're not trying to determine if if this is safe or not. this is safe or not. this is safe or not. They're not thinking to themselves, I They're not thinking to themselves, I They're not thinking to themselves, I wonder if he really wants us to come get wonder if he really wants us to come get wonder if he really wants us to come get him. him. him. Nobody's thinking that. They step into Nobody's thinking that. They step into Nobody's thinking that. They step into action and they do whatever it takes to action and they do whatever it takes to action and they do whatever it takes to get that firefighter out.

get that firefighter out. get that firefighter out. That is church membership. That is church membership. That is church membership. That is the point of your connect group That is the point of your connect group That is the point of your connect group and my connect group because the first and my connect group because the first and my connect group because the first sign of sin in your life and you walking sign of sin in your life and you walking sign of sin in your life and you walking into sin and with sin is isolation. into sin and with sin is isolation. into sin and with sin is isolation. And I know that it's annoying at times And I know that it's annoying at times And I know that it's annoying at times because every 3 weeks our connect groups because every 3 weeks our connect groups because every 3 weeks our connect groups get a three weeks misreport. get a three weeks misreport. get a three weeks misreport. If somebody has not shown up in three If somebody has not shown up in three If somebody has not shown up in three weeks, you get on the naughty list. weeks, you get on the naughty list. weeks, you get on the naughty list. Okay? Okay? Okay? Literally, I was talking with some Literally, I was talking with some Literally, I was talking with some brothers this past week about the brothers this past week about the brothers this past week about the naughty list. Okay? But it is the naughty list. Okay? But it is the naughty list. Okay? But it is the reality. But why do we do that? Because we're going to go after the one Because we're going to go after the one at whatever cost it takes. at whatever cost it takes. at whatever cost it takes. We're going to do whatever it takes to We're going to do whatever it takes to We're going to do whatever it takes to make sure that you are a part of the make sure that you are a part of the make sure that you are a part of the fold and that you are back in the arms fold and that you are back in the arms fold and that you are back in the arms of Jesus Christ himself.

of Jesus Christ himself. of Jesus Christ himself. And no, this church is not perfect. This And no, this church is not perfect. This And no, this church is not perfect. This church does not get it right all the church does not get it right all the church does not get it right all the time. We don't reach out as often as we time. We don't reach out as often as we time. We don't reach out as often as we should. We don't do everything that we should. We don't do everything that we should. We don't do everything that we should at all times and making sure that should at all times and making sure that should at all times and making sure that people feel loved and cared for. And people feel loved and cared for. And people feel loved and cared for. And it's hard to do, but it is worth the it's hard to do, but it is worth the it's hard to do, but it is worth the cost. It is worth the price. And it cost. It is worth the price. And it cost. It is worth the price. And it requires every single one of us. As you requires every single one of us. As you requires every single one of us. As you are members of the body of Christ, you are members of the body of Christ, you are members of the body of Christ, you are your brother's keeper. This is the reality of Genesis chapter 4 This is the reality of Genesis chapter 4 with Cain and Abel. with Cain and Abel. with Cain and Abel. The problem is not the offering itself. The problem is not the offering itself. The problem is not the offering itself. The problem was that Cain forgot what it The problem was that Cain forgot what it The problem was that Cain forgot what it really meant to be a brother. really meant to be a brother. really meant to be a brother. He forgot what it meant to actually care He forgot what it meant to actually care He forgot what it meant to actually care for somebody else. for somebody else. for somebody else. And church, this And church, this And church, this is what we are called to do.

is what we are called to do. is what we are called to do. As Jesus pursued you, As Jesus pursued you, As Jesus pursued you, we pursue others. we pursue others. we pursue others. But we also understand the shepherd that But we also understand the shepherd that But we also understand the shepherd that he carries the fountain. He doesn't just show up on the scene and He doesn't just show up on the scene and then then then think, "Hey, man, we're going this way. think, "Hey, man, we're going this way. think, "Hey, man, we're going this way. If you want to follow me, you can." If you want to follow me, you can." If you want to follow me, you can." Jesus takes it a step further. He goes to the lost. He goes to the lost. He seeks it out. He finds it. He seeks it out. He finds it. He seeks it out. He finds it. And then he takes that lamb. He takes And then he takes that lamb. He takes And then he takes that lamb. He takes the sheep and he puts it on his own the sheep and he puts it on his own the sheep and he puts it on his own shoulders. shoulders. shoulders. Imagine that scene. Imagine that scene. Imagine that scene. Look, I'm just going to be honest with Look, I'm just going to be honest with Look, I'm just going to be honest with you guys. I I feel like I need to you guys. I I feel like I need to you guys. I I feel like I need to confess wickedness in my heart because confess wickedness in my heart because confess wickedness in my heart because listen, we just got a new dog.

listen, we just got a new dog. listen, we just got a new dog. Couple months old. Don't know. Don't Couple months old. Don't know. Don't Couple months old. Don't know. Don't care. All right. But care. All right. But care. All right. But her name is Lahi, her name is Lahi, her name is Lahi, named after Lahi Moon. Or at least named after Lahi Moon. Or at least named after Lahi Moon. Or at least that's what I tell people. My wife comes that's what I tell people. My wife comes that's what I tell people. My wife comes to me and she's like, "Hey, I have a to me and she's like, "Hey, I have a to me and she's like, "Hey, I have a great name for our dog. It's going to be great name for our dog. It's going to be great name for our dog. It's going to be Lahi." And I immediately light up and Lahi." And I immediately light up and Lahi." And I immediately light up and I'm like, "Okay, this is something I can I'm like, "Okay, this is something I can I'm like, "Okay, this is something I can get on board with. You're naming her get on board with. You're naming her get on board with. You're naming her after Lahy Moon." And those of you who after Lahy Moon." And those of you who after Lahy Moon." And those of you who don't know, if you did not raise were don't know, if you did not raise were don't know, if you did not raise were not raised in a Southern Baptist church, not raised in a Southern Baptist church, not raised in a Southern Baptist church, Lahy Moon is a big deal. Every Christmas Lahy Moon is a big deal. Every Christmas Lahy Moon is a big deal. Every Christmas we do an a Lahi Moon Christmas offering. we do an a Lahi Moon Christmas offering. we do an a Lahi Moon Christmas offering. Of course, we do ours in November, but Of course, we do ours in November, but Of course, we do ours in November, but I'm talking about it's for Lahoon and I'm talking about it's for Lahoon and I'm talking about it's for Lahoon and Annie Armstrong. And so, I'm just like Annie Armstrong. And so, I'm just like Annie Armstrong. And so, I'm just like geeked out. I'm like, "Oh my word, geeked out. I'm like, "Oh my word, geeked out. I'm like, "Oh my word, Katie, that's incredible. Lahy Moon." Katie, that's incredible. Lahy Moon." Katie, that's incredible. Lahy Moon." She just looks at me. She's like, "Hey, She just looks at me. She's like, "Hey, She just looks at me. She's like, "Hey, whatever you need to get through this, whatever you need to get through this, whatever you need to get through this, that's fine." All right. that's fine." All right. that's fine." All right. But here's the problem. All right. So, But here's the problem. All right. So, But here's the problem. All right. So, this dog, my wife's dog, okay, this dog, my wife's dog, okay, this dog, my wife's dog, okay, is a disobedient tyrant, okay? And and is a disobedient tyrant, okay? And and is a disobedient tyrant, okay? And and here's the thing. Uh it always happens here's the thing. Uh it always happens here's the thing. Uh it always happens when I'm in a hurry. I need to get out when I'm in a hurry. I need to get out when I'm in a hurry. I need to get out the door. I got stuff to do. And I'm the door. I got stuff to do. And I'm the door. I got stuff to do. And I'm trying to get the dog just back inside.

trying to get the dog just back inside. trying to get the dog just back inside. All right, that's all I'm doing. All right, that's all I'm doing. All right, that's all I'm doing. and it gets down and it just lays in the and it gets down and it just lays in the and it gets down and it just lays in the grass sprawled out. No, I mean just all grass sprawled out. No, I mean just all grass sprawled out. No, I mean just all comfort, no problems, no worries in the comfort, no problems, no worries in the comfort, no problems, no worries in the world. So I go to pick her up and every world. So I go to pick her up and every world. So I go to pick her up and every time I get from about here to here, that time I get from about here to here, that time I get from about here to here, that little joker just takes off running. little joker just takes off running. little joker just takes off running. It is the most infuriating It is the most infuriating It is the most infuriating moment imaginable. Yes, we ordered a moment imaginable. Yes, we ordered a moment imaginable. Yes, we ordered a shot caller. Don't email me about that. I don't care Don't email me about that. I don't care what PETA thinks. All right. I'm I'm what PETA thinks. All right. I'm I'm what PETA thinks. All right. I'm I'm going to shot the fire of that thing. going to shot the fire of that thing. going to shot the fire of that thing. All right? Because here's what happens. All right? Because here's what happens. All right? Because here's what happens. Because I get up to it and it takes off Because I get up to it and it takes off Because I get up to it and it takes off running and it turns my flesh into fire. running and it turns my flesh into fire. running and it turns my flesh into fire. And I have problems. Okay? I'm admit it. And I have problems. Okay? I'm admit it. And I have problems. Okay? I'm admit it. I'm one of you. Okay? We're in this I'm one of you. Okay? We're in this I'm one of you. Okay? We're in this together. And I think to myself, as soon together. And I think to myself, as soon together. And I think to myself, as soon as I get my hands on this dog, it will as I get my hands on this dog, it will as I get my hands on this dog, it will be its last day. be its last day. be its last day. I don't care if she's named after Lady I don't care if she's named after Lady I don't care if she's named after Lady Moon. It's over. All right.

And I'm telling you, And I'm telling you, there is a part of me there is a part of me there is a part of me that feels like that that's how Jesus that feels like that that's how Jesus that feels like that that's how Jesus looks at me. looks at me. looks at me. Like, why are you running again? Like, why are you running again? Like, why are you running again? Why are you wandering? Why are you wandering? Why are you wandering? And you would think like Jesus above And you would think like Jesus above And you would think like Jesus above everybody has that right. As soon as I everybody has that right. As soon as I everybody has that right. As soon as I get my hands on you, I am tired of get my hands on you, I am tired of get my hands on you, I am tired of coming after you. And Jesus never And Jesus never thinks that way of me. thinks that way of me. thinks that way of me. He never thinks that way of you. He never thinks that way of you. He never thinks that way of you. Instead, Instead, Instead, he picks you up, he picks you up, he picks you up, binds your wounds, puts you some oil on binds your wounds, puts you some oil on binds your wounds, puts you some oil on there so it's better. He takes care of there so it's better. He takes care of there so it's better. He takes care of everything. everything. everything. And when you are too tired, And when you are too tired, And when you are too tired, too worn out, too worn out, too worn out, too broken in your own sin.

too broken in your own sin. too broken in your own sin. Jesus takes all of it Jesus takes all of it Jesus takes all of it and carries it. and carries it. and carries it. He is the good shepherd that doesn't He is the good shepherd that doesn't He is the good shepherd that doesn't just find. just find. just find. He carries every single burden that you He carries every single burden that you He carries every single burden that you have. have. have. And there is nothing too heavy in your And there is nothing too heavy in your And there is nothing too heavy in your life. There's nothing too broken, too life. There's nothing too broken, too life. There's nothing too broken, too sinful for the grace of God to carry sinful for the grace of God to carry sinful for the grace of God to carry back into the fold. It doesn't matter of back into the fold. It doesn't matter of back into the fold. It doesn't matter of your past. your past. your past. Doesn't matter how many failed Doesn't matter how many failed Doesn't matter how many failed marriages. It doesn't matter about the marriages. It doesn't matter about the marriages. It doesn't matter about the divorce that was messy. divorce that was messy. divorce that was messy. Jesus will carry it all. Jesus will carry it all. Jesus will carry it all. None of it is too much for him. You are None of it is too much for him. You are None of it is too much for him. You are never too far away from his pursuit. You never too far away from his pursuit. You never too far away from his pursuit. You are never too heavy for him to carry. are never too heavy for him to carry. are never too heavy for him to carry. This is the grace of an almighty and This is the grace of an almighty and This is the grace of an almighty and perfect God. This is what Peter perfect God. This is what Peter perfect God. This is what Peter describes in first Peter chapter 2. He describes in first Peter chapter 2. He describes in first Peter chapter 2. He says in verse 24, "He himself bore our says in verse 24, "He himself bore our says in verse 24, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree so that sins in his body on the tree so that sins in his body on the tree so that having died to sins, we might live for having died to sins, we might live for having died to sins, we might live for righteousness.

righteousness. righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed. By his wounds, you have been healed. By his wounds, you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, For you were like sheep going astray, For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the but you have now returned to the but you have now returned to the shepherd and overseer of your souls." shepherd and overseer of your souls." shepherd and overseer of your souls." Do you see the grace Do you see the grace Do you see the grace of this kingdom shepherd of this kingdom shepherd of this kingdom shepherd who loves you that much that he would who loves you that much that he would who loves you that much that he would come after you? He would carry you. He come after you? He would carry you. He come after you? He would carry you. He would do whatever it takes to make sure would do whatever it takes to make sure would do whatever it takes to make sure that everyone who belongs to him are that everyone who belongs to him are that everyone who belongs to him are with him. with him. with him. And he does it joyfully. The shepherd rejoices The shepherd rejoices over repentance. over repentance. over repentance. >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> [snorts] >> You see what it says? I mean in verse >> You see what it says? I mean in verse >> You see what it says? I mean in verse six it says Jesus gives this invitation six it says Jesus gives this invitation six it says Jesus gives this invitation to all of us. He says rejoice with me. to all of us. He says rejoice with me. to all of us. He says rejoice with me. And then in verse 7 Jesus says I tell And then in verse 7 Jesus says I tell And then in verse 7 Jesus says I tell you in the same way there will be more you in the same way there will be more you in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner repent who joy in heaven over one sinner repent who joy in heaven over one sinner repent who repents than over 99 righteous people repents than over 99 righteous people repents than over 99 righteous people who don't need repentance.

who don't need repentance. who don't need repentance. You see this is the reality of Christ. You see this is the reality of Christ. You see this is the reality of Christ. This is the reality of heaven is that This is the reality of heaven is that This is the reality of heaven is that every time that someone repents, every every time that someone repents, every every time that someone repents, every time somebody comes to Jesus, it's not time somebody comes to Jesus, it's not time somebody comes to Jesus, it's not that Jesus is looking, it's about time that Jesus is looking, it's about time that Jesus is looking, it's about time or if I just get my hands on you, I'm or if I just get my hands on you, I'm or if I just get my hands on you, I'm going to ring your neck. It's none of going to ring your neck. It's none of going to ring your neck. It's none of that attitude. It is pure joy in heaven. that attitude. It is pure joy in heaven. that attitude. It is pure joy in heaven. It is a celebration in heaven It is a celebration in heaven It is a celebration in heaven because those who were lost are now because those who were lost are now because those who were lost are now found. Those who were running are now found. Those who were running are now found. Those who were running are now near. Those who thought that they were near. Those who thought that they were near. Those who thought that they were too far gone are now in the presence of too far gone are now in the presence of too far gone are now in the presence of Jesus Christ himself. Jesus Christ himself. Jesus Christ himself. There's greater joy There's greater joy There's greater joy and one person who repents than 99 who and one person who repents than 99 who and one person who repents than 99 who do not know do not know do not know how much they need the good shepherd. how much they need the good shepherd. how much they need the good shepherd. You see, this is a little bit tongue and You see, this is a little bit tongue and You see, this is a little bit tongue and cheek from Jesus. cheek from Jesus. cheek from Jesus. Yes, he's been exposing the Pharisees Yes, he's been exposing the Pharisees Yes, he's been exposing the Pharisees and the scribes.

The antithesis of joy The antithesis of joy and rejoicing and rejoicing and rejoicing is pride. is pride. is pride. This is what the Pharisees and scribes This is what the Pharisees and scribes This is what the Pharisees and scribes were really dealing with. were really dealing with. were really dealing with. their lack of understanding their lack of understanding their lack of understanding that they could not achieve that they could not achieve that they could not achieve righteousness on their own. righteousness on their own. righteousness on their own. This caused them to almost be upset. In This caused them to almost be upset. In This caused them to almost be upset. In fact, that's why it says in verse one fact, that's why it says in verse one fact, that's why it says in verse one that they were or in verse two that they that they were or in verse two that they that they were or in verse two that they were complaining were complaining were complaining because every time that you think that because every time that you think that because every time that you think that what you are doing is necessary in order what you are doing is necessary in order what you are doing is necessary in order to hold up and sustain your to hold up and sustain your to hold up and sustain your righteousness. You are going to be righteousness. You are going to be righteousness. You are going to be beside yourself and upset with everybody beside yourself and upset with everybody beside yourself and upset with everybody else who's just been given it freely. Now the concept that Jesus is saying is Now the concept that Jesus is saying is it's free for everybody.

You don't pursue God You don't pursue God unless he calls you. unless he calls you. unless he calls you. You don't sustain your righteousness. You don't sustain your righteousness. You don't sustain your righteousness. Jesus carries you even right now at the Jesus carries you even right now at the Jesus carries you even right now at the right hand of the father. He is serving right hand of the father. He is serving right hand of the father. He is serving as the mediator that will carry us as the mediator that will carry us as the mediator that will carry us through to completion by the way until through to completion by the way until through to completion by the way until glory. glory. glory. It is his grace that saves you. It is It is his grace that saves you. It is It is his grace that saves you. It is his grace that keeps you. his grace that keeps you. his grace that keeps you. And it is it is his grace that will And it is it is his grace that will And it is it is his grace that will bring you home to himself. bring you home to himself. bring you home to himself. And all of heaven is rejoicing now And all of heaven is rejoicing now And all of heaven is rejoicing now because that day in the repentant because that day in the repentant because that day in the repentant sinner's life is guaranteed. Notice that sinner's life is guaranteed. Notice that sinner's life is guaranteed. Notice that the rejoicing does not wait. the rejoicing does not wait. the rejoicing does not wait. This is brilliant This is brilliant This is brilliant because it is sealed by the spirit of because it is sealed by the spirit of because it is sealed by the spirit of God himself. Jesus makes this God himself. Jesus makes this God himself. Jesus makes this clear in John chapter 10. Yes, he says, clear in John chapter 10. Yes, he says, clear in John chapter 10. Yes, he says, "I am the good shepherd." And then he "I am the good shepherd." And then he "I am the good shepherd." And then he goes on and he says, "No one can snatch goes on and he says, "No one can snatch goes on and he says, "No one can snatch you out of my hand." Listen, the schemes you out of my hand." Listen, the schemes you out of my hand." Listen, the schemes of Satan, the brokenness of the world, of Satan, the brokenness of the world, of Satan, the brokenness of the world, the chaos of your life will never take the chaos of your life will never take the chaos of your life will never take you out of the father's hand. And so the you out of the father's hand. And so the you out of the father's hand. And so the reason why heaven rejoices right now at reason why heaven rejoices right now at reason why heaven rejoices right now at every person who is saved by the grace every person who is saved by the grace every person who is saved by the grace of God is because that day of of God is because that day of of God is because that day of glorification is absolutely going to glorification is absolutely going to glorification is absolutely going to happen. It is certified. It is sealed.

happen. It is certified. It is sealed. happen. It is certified. It is sealed. It is guaranteed for the believer in It is guaranteed for the believer in It is guaranteed for the believer in Jesus Christ. Why? Because it's not up Jesus Christ. Why? Because it's not up Jesus Christ. Why? Because it's not up to the sheep. It is all in the goodness to the sheep. It is all in the goodness to the sheep. It is all in the goodness of the shepherd himself. of the shepherd himself. of the shepherd himself. Therefore, Therefore, Therefore, when one sinner repents, when one sinner repents, when one sinner repents, all of heaven rejoices. all of heaven rejoices. all of heaven rejoices. Is that your story? Is that your story? Is that your story? Because here's the reality. Because here's the reality. Because here's the reality. It It wasn't that fire scene It It wasn't that fire scene It It wasn't that fire scene in my short in my short in my short minimal [clears throat] minimal [clears throat] minimal [clears throat] five and a half year career as a five and a half year career as a five and a half year career as a firefighter. firefighter. firefighter. I never had the opportunity to rip I never had the opportunity to rip I never had the opportunity to rip somebody out of a burning building. I somebody out of a burning building. I somebody out of a burning building. I was never deployed on RIT. Never had to was never deployed on RIT. Never had to was never deployed on RIT. Never had to to do it. But one of my good buddies who to do it. But one of my good buddies who to do it. But one of my good buddies who I graduated fire school with about a I graduated fire school with about a I graduated fire school with about a year after we got on, year after we got on, year after we got on, he was serving he was serving he was serving on RIT on a fire scene.

on RIT on a fire scene. on RIT on a fire scene. Firefighter goes down. Firefighter goes down. Firefighter goes down. They deploy the RIP team They deploy the RIP team They deploy the RIP team and this rookie, his name's Dan, and this rookie, his name's Dan, and this rookie, his name's Dan, goes in without hesitation into the same goes in without hesitation into the same goes in without hesitation into the same conditions that took this firefighter conditions that took this firefighter conditions that took this firefighter out. out. out. And he dragged that firefighter And he dragged that firefighter And he dragged that firefighter on his back on his back on his back out of the house to safety. out of the house to safety. out of the house to safety. Now, here is what happened. Now, here is what happened. Now, here is what happened. The entire department rejoiced. The entire department rejoiced. The entire department rejoiced. Everybody was celebrating. Everybody was Everybody was celebrating. Everybody was Everybody was celebrating. Everybody was cheering. Man, your training kicked in. cheering. Man, your training kicked in. cheering. Man, your training kicked in. And you just did. I mean, here is what And you just did. I mean, here is what And you just did. I mean, here is what did not take place. did not take place. did not take place. Nobody on that team, no one on that fire Nobody on that team, no one on that fire Nobody on that team, no one on that fire scene was thinking to themselves, man, scene was thinking to themselves, man, scene was thinking to themselves, man, what did he do to put himself in that what did he do to put himself in that what did he do to put himself in that situation? situation? situation? Did he not check the floor Did he not check the floor Did he not check the floor that just gave way?

that just gave way? that just gave way? Did he not know the conditions? Did he not know the conditions? Did he not know the conditions? Is he not trained for this? Nobody was Is he not trained for this? Nobody was Is he not trained for this? Nobody was thinking any of that. Instead, someone thinking any of that. Instead, someone thinking any of that. Instead, someone called for help and they responded. called for help and they responded. called for help and they responded. And I'm just going to tell you, there And I'm just going to tell you, there And I'm just going to tell you, there are only two categories of people in the are only two categories of people in the are only two categories of people in the world. world. world. Those who need to be rescued Those who need to be rescued Those who need to be rescued and those who are on the rescue team. and those who are on the rescue team. and those who are on the rescue team. That's it. That's it. That's it. And I'm going to tell you, you know why And I'm going to tell you, you know why And I'm going to tell you, you know why the churches the churches the churches of our day are not filled? of our day are not filled? of our day are not filled? It's not because of the bad preaching. It's not because of the bad preaching. It's not because of the bad preaching. It's not because of It's not because of It's not because of bad music or good music. I feel like the reason why I feel like the reason why in my own heart and in my own life in my own heart and in my own life in my own heart and in my own life that I fail so often that I fail so often that I fail so often at being faithful in evangelism at being faithful in evangelism at being faithful in evangelism is because I forget at times what it is because I forget at times what it is because I forget at times what it feels like to be rescued.

There are people who are calling right There are people who are calling right now for help. now for help. now for help. The mayday has gone out. The mayday has gone out. The mayday has gone out. Everything has halted. The operations Everything has halted. The operations Everything has halted. The operations have halted. have halted. have halted. And the question is, are you the one And the question is, are you the one And the question is, are you the one needing to be rescued needing to be rescued needing to be rescued or are you the one that's willing to go or are you the one that's willing to go or are you the one that's willing to go in and get to be a part of the rescue? My prayer for us as a church My prayer for us as a church is that we would understand is that we would understand is that we would understand what it really means to partner with the what it really means to partner with the what it really means to partner with the good shepherd good shepherd good shepherd who pursues you, who pursues you, who pursues you, who carries you who carries you who carries you and rejoices and rejoices and rejoices because you're a part of his family. because you're a part of his family. because you're a part of his family. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, will you Let's pray. Heavenly Father, will you Let's pray. Heavenly Father, will you help us help us help us Lord to know Lord to know Lord to know where we truly are? And Father, I ask you today, Lord, that And Father, I ask you today, Lord, that if any person here if any person here if any person here knows that they are the one knows that they are the one knows that they are the one that needs to be rescued, I pray that that needs to be rescued, I pray that that needs to be rescued, I pray that today is that day.

today is that day. today is that day. But I pray father also But I pray father also But I pray father also that those who have been rescued will be that those who have been rescued will be that those who have been rescued will be a part of that rescue team. Father we a part of that rescue team. Father we a part of that rescue team. Father we will do anything it takes no matter what will do anything it takes no matter what will do anything it takes no matter what the cost is. the cost is. the cost is. Father we will build anything. We will Father we will build anything. We will Father we will build anything. We will develop anything. develop anything. develop anything. We will pursue all people. We will pursue all people. We will pursue all people. God we are a church. We desire to be a God we are a church. We desire to be a God we are a church. We desire to be a church that will do anything that it church that will do anything that it church that will do anything that it takes just for one more to know you. takes just for one more to know you. takes just for one more to know you. And I pray that that is the reality And I pray that that is the reality And I pray that that is the reality today. And it's in the name of Jesus we today. And it's in the name of Jesus we today. And it's in the name of Jesus we pray.