I love pastors. When I was growing up, pastors greatly influenced my life. From Jack Pardee who baptized me to Robert Ferguson to David Hartman to Jim Hallcom to Raymond Franklin to Larry Nixon to Bert Murphy who ordained me, God used pastors to shape my life. I remember a few sermons. Mostly I remember their compassionate care. My pastor in kindergarten drove my mom and grandfather over to Columbia Missouri from Rolla to see my grandmother when she was dying of cancer. I don’t remember his name, but I remember his kindness.
The Apostle John walked with Jesus the Good Shepherd long enough to become a good shepherd himself. Late in his life he called the Christians his dear children. John wanted for his children what we all want for ours: that they would not sin. After offering them the way to forgiveness, he pointed the way to continuing sanctification.
When we sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. Imagine Jesus pleading for us, advocating for us to be forgiven. On what basis? His own righteousness. Jesus does not tell the Father that our sin is right or good. Our sin cost Jesus his life. He became the atoning sacrifice for our sins and for the whole world if they will believe in him. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who gave up his life for his sheep. Are you his sheep? You have a Good Shepherd and a Great Advocate!
