Day 336..."Sheep neglected...A three point sermon"

Ezekiel uses a metaphor of a lack of shepherding to explain the scattering of Israel. The sheep have no shepherd. In the absence of a shepherd, God must become the Shepherd. God says about this..." (I) will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice." What a powerful thought for a pastor to consider in a world where so many sheep are scattering! Or is this an image for the Church? Daniel has a vision that is "ram tough" and he has trouble interpreting what all this means. He is sick at the end of this vision. There is an interpretation at the end of the eighth chapter.

Paul speaks of his former life. He admits he is not perfect..."though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost." In contrast Paul lays out a great image love growing in Christ..."The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." A pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith...a natural sermon outline...just like Micah 6:8!