The Shepherd of the Sheep: Part 1 - The Sheep and Their Young

This Sunday, Rob Lea brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC Online services. Once you have watched the video, we encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.

To listen to the talk click here.
 
Readings:

Isaiah chapter 40 verses 9 - 11 (New Living Translation)

O Zion, messenger of good news, shout from the mountaintops!
Shout it louder, O Jerusalem. Shout, and do not be afraid.
Tell the towns of Judah, “Your God is coming!”
Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm.
See, he brings his reward with him as he comes. He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

 

Prayer & Reflection

Lord God. we confess that whether we have primary or secondary responsibility for nurturing and encouraging young people from babies to adults there are times when we see this as a burden rather than a blessing, and for this we are sorry. Please forgive us. Holy Spirit, we long to lead by example and to be positive and passionate role models, please help and guide us to do this.

We thank you Lord Jesus for the privilege of being part of your plan to encourage children to come to you. We don’t want to hinder them in any way, so would you please help us to be enthusiastic disciples who point them to you.
We ask this in your precious name. AMEN.



Questions to Consider

1. Do you agree that ‘Family’ are the most important influence when ‘growing up’? What was your experience?
2. Have you ever come back from a training course, full of enthusiasm and eager to put into practice what you’ve learned, only to realise that after a few months nothing has really changed – for whatever reason? Why was that do you think?
3. Do you agree that the primary responsibility for teaching and training young people about Jesus and the Kingdom of God is with their parents (or those that spend most time with them)? If not, who has that responsibility? If you think it’s the church, how could that be done in I hour a week?
4. Are you in accord with the EBC belief that we serve our children and young people best by discipling the parents with whom this age group spend most of their time? If you don’t agree, can you suggest a better way?
5. How do you interpret the verses found in the book of Deuteronomy 6:6-7? Do you think that these commands are clear and unambiguous?
6. Think very carefully before answering this question…… Are you doing anything at all that would hinder children from coming to know Jesus? Hopefully not, but what are you doing positively to encourage them?
7. Whenever and wherever possible, do you use the context of daily life to teach about God. Do you lead by example? Exactly what is your role……..?