April 29, 2007
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Mindekirken Joh 10: 22-30 My sheep hear my voice My wife grew up on a farm in Norway. Her parents had sheep until just a few years ago. I admired the way they took care of the animals. My mother-in-law was an excellent sheep midwife. She saved many lamb’s lives, as she helped the sheep mothers to give birth. This time, the end of April, is a very busy one at sheep farms. Because at this time, the lambs are born. Twins is the most usual. So on average, every mother sheep has two lambs. My wife’s mother used to spend many hours of the day, and even nights, in the sheep shed, since the animals are so vulnerable at the time of birth. It was an adventure to see the small lambs, how soon they got on their feet, and how quickly they grew stronger. And my father-in-law was a very good sheep psychologist. He knew how to treat the sheep so that he got their confidence, and he could lead them into the green pastures. They knew his voice, and they followed him. They had experienced that he wanted only the best for them. Just like the Good Shepherd does. Then, 5-6 weeks after the lambs are born, something very significant happens. The sheep owner goes into the sheep shed again, this time bringing a pair of tongs with him. So he takes every sheep and every lamb between his knees. And using his tong, he put a mark on the ear of every animal. It doesn’t hurt more than like you and me getting a flu shot. A few days later, he can lead his sheep up in the mountains. He goes in front of them, having a bucket of sheep meal that he gives them a little taste of. Then shaking the bucket with the sheep goodies, making a little noise, he coax them in his mild way. Because there are no more wolves or bears left in Norway, the sheep only occasionally have enemies in the mountains nowadays. So the sheep have a good time, and stay in the mountains by themselves. The grass is especially tasty, juicy and nourishing up there. During the following weeks and months, the sheep from different farms mingle with each other in the mountains. Which is ok. Then, at the end of the summer, the farmers go to find their own sheep. But how can they recognize their animals? Imagine how, especially since the lambs have grown bigger and fatter! Were it not for the mark on the ear, it would be impossible to discern them! The sheep themselves are not aware of their marks. No, the marks are for the owners, to recognize what belongs to them. Did you notice what happened at the baptismal font some minutes ago? Did you see that Anna and Sophia received a sign, marked over their small bodies? It was the sign of the cross. That is also a mark of ownership. It says that from now on, this human being belongs to Jesus, the crucified and resurrected. In holy baptism, they are taken into the flock of the Good Shepherd. Isn’t that a marvelous thing? Have you thought about that, you who are a baptized person? You have a mark on you, that you yourself do not see. And we, the other “sheep” do not see each other’s marks. But that is not the point, either. Because the mark is not for us. It is for the owner! You belong to him who calls himself the Good Shepherd. He knows you, says the Word today. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. That is the good message for today, dear baptized Christians: He cares for you. He knows you. And he owns you! So, our task is just to listen for his voice. Now, this is important to notice. There are so many voices calling for our attention. We are a generation today that experiences so many voices, and the noise is so loud, that it can be a challenge to discern. To hear Jesus’ voice among all the others. But that is our task. Try to recognize the Good Shepherd’s voice. Listen to his word. Follow him. Obey his commandment. Receive his forgiveness. Live a new life of gratitude. Last Sunday we heard Jesus’ message to the apostle Peter, Feed my lambs! Tend my sheep! It is the voice of The Good Shepherd. In order to give people the spiritual food that they need, Jesus has placed shepherds around in this world. Peter was the first pastor, the first leader of the church, chosen by Jesus himself. In fact, the word “pastor” is latin, and means “shepherd.” Peter was not a perfect pastor, by any means. The Bible describes him in a very human way, with strong and weak sides. As is the case for all of us pastors today, too. But we have a task, to share God’s word, which is so powerful and living. If a person opens his or her heart to God’s word, then they are being led to the green pastures and nourished by The Good Shepherd. Finally, a piece of advice: If you have trouble sleeping, the old advice was to count sheep. I have heard it since I was a little boy: “Lying in your bed, imagine that you see a row of sheep jumping over a fence, one by one. Count them, and continue until you finally get so bored that you automatically fall asleep.” Have you tried that? I have. It works! But I heard an even better piece of advice some years ago. That came from a famous Norwegian pastor, Arne Proys. He said: if you are sleepless, I will recommend something even better that counting sheep. That is: talk to the shepherd! Then you will have very meaningful minutes or hours. And you will get his peace, which probably will lead you to sleep well. Glory be to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. |
The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church · 924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 · (612)874-0716 |