I'm really pleased with how I ended my sermon that I will preach in a few hours. The text is John 10: 11-18, a text which meditates on shepherds, sheep, and what the shepherd does that the hired hand doesn't. Here's the ending:
Let’s use the language of the 23rd Psalm as we analyze whether or not we’re hearing the Shepherd’s voice. Are we being called to green pastures and calm water? Does our cup run over? Are our souls restored?
Once we determine that we’re hearing God’s voice, hopefully it will be easier to follow our Good Shepherd along the right pathways. And when we do have to go through the valleys of death—and there can be so many valleys of death in a single human life—when we do have to go through the valleys of death, we will know we do not need to be afraid. We’re not walking alone. We’re not abandoned. The one who loves us and claims us will lead us home.
Don’t follow the voices that will abandon you, running away to leave you to be devoured by wolves. Listen for the voice that calls you to resurrection, to new life, to loving community—to new life.
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