In this morning’s reading from the 1st Letter of John [3:16-24] we heard words which still to this very day are a deep and great challenge for each and every one of us as Christian believers; “Little Children, let us love, not in words or speech, but in truth and action.”[1] The author of this powerful letter is reminding everyone who reads these words that the call to being a follower of Jesus is not just one of words, but we are called into living a life of Christian actions as well as times of professions of faith, singing of songs, and reading of scriptures. We, as Christians, are challenged to become a meaningful presence and a powerful image of Jesus in the lives of those around us.
I know that there are individuals who believe that our words of faith have within them great power, but I am also reminding all of us that the world that we are presently living in has become for so many people a place where individuals are truly being judged by their actions rather than their words. Most of us have in the last few months been overwhelmed with the political words of individuals who are seeking to be elected as the next President. My only comment here is about the difference between words and actions. All parties in these political debates continue to challenge each other based on the differences between words and actions.This morning, in our time of worship, we joined together in saying those truly powerful words found in the 23rd Psalm that bring such great comfort to so many people, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”[2] In fact the entire 23rd Psalm reminds many of us that the Lord would care for us for ever, and that the Lord has a purpose for us; “… and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”[3] This is more than a declaration of promise; this is a declaration of intention. The ones who understand these words are openly declaring that they have chosen to be a part of the household of God and that they therefore will be with God for ever.
And who would not want to be a part of the household of God? Who would not want to be a member of the flock that is tended by Jesus? Jesus is the one who told those who would listen, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”[4] We are called to be members of the flock, and we are called to reach out to those who are around us and have not found a place within the flock.
Do you remember all of what was read this morning from John’s first letter? Do you recall hearing the question posed at the very beginning, “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses to help?”[5] How can we claim to be a member of the flock cared for by Jesus and yet not be willing to reach out to others who are in need? The other day I was watching a TV show and I saw a commercial which presented a very powerful message. The action images were of six young children playing and studying in school. The over-voice shared the fact that today … in America … right here in New York State … everyday 1 in 6 children does not have enough food to eat. If this is also true within our community, then we - as members of the flock of Jesus - need to take action. We need to reach out to everyone. We need to remember that as members of the flock of the Good Shepherd not only are we freed from our fear of evil, but that we are also called upon by God to bring true hope and salvation to all those that we meet.
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