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Commissioning
The Institute
December 16, 2015
A LOST SHEEP +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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1 day a shepherd counts his sheep & expects 2 find
100, but he’s dismayed 2 discover that 1 is missing
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Moved by danger 2 the sheep & loss 2 self, takes quick
action 2 restore this sheep to its place in fold
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In this vivid account of searching, saving & celebrating,
we can C a clear picture of the love, longing & labor of Jesus for the lost
RESCUE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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The work of the shepherd involves 3 experiences for the
lost sheep
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First it involves Rescue
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The sheep’s been found & is rescued from the danger
in which it had been!
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The word “saved” means
“to rescue from all harm and danger”
Ø
It’s what Jesus has done for us when we have crossed
boundaries that created perilous results
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Jesus as shepherd delivers not only from the danger, but
also from the damage of sin and evil by the healing us at the root thru grace
REST ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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The work of the shepherd also involves REST
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Note, sheep’s not responsible 4 getting itself home
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True, it’s responsible for its wandering, but getting
home it home is the responsibility of the shepherd
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After it is saved, it finds itself resting upon the strong
shoulders of the shepherd!
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So we’re not responsible for getting ourselves home
either, we are “kept, held, healed by the
power of God” & we rest upon Jesus’ promise to us
Ø
Saved by grace & it’s grace that sees them home
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“To seek & 2 save” = recurring theme in the gospels
REJOICING +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Finally it involves REJOICING
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The shepherd is able 2 rejoice w/ his neighbors becz lost
sheep’s found
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He’s overjoyed w/ the rescue of this 1 lost sheep
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Which brings us to this commissioning
Ø
John’s stay w/ us & his commissioning is cause for
celebration
CONCLUSION
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Wherever we are in the journey of being
found, healed or celebrated, the news is good
Ø There’s a shepherd searching for you!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
