SUNNY THOUGHTS FROM SUNSET by Rev. Vance Drum 12-8
May the Lord bless you all in this holy season!
The Sunset pastor on Sunday continued an Advent theme, “Jesus Our Shepherd King: Finding Peace in an Age of Anxiety,” with a message, “Shepherd’s Comfort.” The text was from Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd….”
Advent—when we remember the coming of Jesus into the world, is the most hope-inspiring, comforting and joyous time of the year to me. It’s a time when light and darkness clash, and the darkness is overcome by the light.
I’m reminded of the song “O Little Town of Bethlehem”: “Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.”
And the Scripture [Isaiah 9:2]: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
The songwriter and the prophet both knew what we know: Our fallen world is often a dark and anxious place, but when Jesus comes in, there is hope, light and peace. So our Advent theme: “Jesus our Shepherd King: Finding Peace in an Age of Anxiety.”
The pastor made three points: (1) My Shepherd; (2) His Protection; and (3) His Provision.
(1) My Shepherd. David the psalmist says, “The Lord is my shepherd.” What does that mean? David was a shepherd himself, and the ancient shepherd’s relationship with his sheep was close. The good shepherd was 24/7 with his sheep, taking care of them and protecting them.
Jesus is our good shepherd, and his relationship with his children is close and personal. Is the Lord your shepherd today? Are you in a close relationship with Him? Do you listen to him, and follow him? He wants to be your Provider and Protector. Allow him to come in.
(2) His Protection. Jesus knows he can’t provide for his sheep if a lion or wolf devours us, so he sets out first to protect us. He says, v4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
No matter what you may be going through, if the Lord is your shepherd, there is no need to fear because he is with you. Even if you go through a death experience—the loss of a loved one, or when you face your own demise—Jesus will be there. In fact, he was there before you were born when he died on the cross for our sins—rescuing us from the clutches of the evil one.
Then, “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” If Jesus is our shepherd, he uses a rod in our behalf. The rod is not to beat us down but to beat off the wolves and lions that come our way.
The shepherd’s staff is for guiding us his sheep. When we listen to him and follow his guidance—from his holy word in our lives—then his protection is effective for us. His rod and staff work for you if the Lord is your shepherd.
(3) His Provision. When the Lord is your shepherd, he will provide for you. V1, “I shall not be in want… he leads in green pastures…beside still waters.” He knows how and where to lead us.
Sometimes trouble comes, through no fault of our own. But if it comes, ask yourself: Am I drawing near to the Shepherd? Or am I resisting his leading?
“He restores my soul.” Jesus is in the restoration business. He takes our woundedness and brokenness, and restores us to what we could never be without him.
“He leads me in paths of righteousness.” His path is the way to life. “He prepares a table…anoints my head…and my cup overflows…Goodness and mercy will follow me…I will dwell in the house forever.” Jesus provides all through this life, and beyond. Praise Him!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” [Isaiah 9:6]
May the holy Christ child of Advent be your strong Lord and Savior this week—our prayer for you from your friends at Sunset Christian Church.