Easter 4
Collect for Easter 4
Raise us, who trust in him, from the death of sin to the life of righteousness,
that we may seek those things which are above, where he reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
1 John 3: 16-24
John 10: 11-18
Some facts about sheep.
1. Sheep form deep bonds with their offspring which last for years
2. Sheep are more intelligent than you give them credit for. They support each other, and grieve when they are bereaved. They are as intelligent as dogs.
3. They have wonderful memories – they can remember 50 faces (Both other sheep and human) for years
4. They have amazing peripheral vision – twice as good as humans
5. They are quick learners
6. They are social animals – they flock together
7. They seek a leader to follow, for protection and guidance – they become stressed and disoriented in the absence of a recognised shepherd. Unfortunately, they trust without discernment, and as such are open to being deceived and manipulated.
So its not necessarily an insult when Jesus compares His followers to sheep needing a shepherd (much better than being called a goat – sheep are safety-motivated – goats are appetite-driven and will risk their own safety to eat). In fact, He is demonstrating His care, not just for a majority, but recognising the threat to, and value of, each and every one, and is prepared to risk His life to protect them.
The false shepherd is different – they seek to lead for their own purposes, not for the sake of those who follow. If it suits them, they will abandon their flock.
We only have to watch the TV news to see the various people who would offer themselves as plausible leaders and solicit our support. Some of them are no doubt genuine – some of them are certainly corrupt. It’s sometimes difficult to know. There is only one leader who invites us to follow of whom we can be sure – the one who is prepared to lay down His life.
Previous Posts
Harvest Thanksgiving at St Michael and All Angels Waterville
In celebrating God’s creation and understanding , that we are part of his wonderful world, we understand that Christ, the Pantocrator, the Ruler of All, wants to marry his creation in us.
Praying Together 4th October 2026
A Meditation for Trinity 18 - Harvest 2026CollectEternal God, you crown the year with your goodness and you give us the fruits of the earth in their season: grant that we may use them to your glory, for the relief of those in need and for our own well-being; through...
Praying Together 20th September 2026
Salvation.
It can’t be earned. No-one can get more than the next person. There are no degrees of salvation. Salvation is personal and unique to each human being. It is the complete gift – all you can ever need.
Praying Together 13th September 2026
Our responsibility in the Christian life is to prepare people for receiving the Gospel – remembering that they are able to meet Christ themselves directly in prayer and scripture. We cannot meet Him on their behalf, and in His walk alongside them they will grow as His body on earth.
Praying Together 30th August 2026
Just like those early disciples and apostles there’s an important work to continue. You and I are part of that bunch of followers – ordinary people – let’s keep that in mind – as we reach out to others, each and every day of our lives.
Praying Together 23rd August 2026
Cambridge dictionary definition: ‘Conform’ – to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society.
Praying Together 16th August 2026
We share the shame of both if we fail to address the divisive hatred within our own purportedly Christian ‘tribe’ before condemning others. For Scripture also says Judge not lest ye yourself be judged (Matthew 7:1). Jesus Himself makes it clear that hypocrisy has no place in a Kingdom founded upon love.
Praying Together 9th August 2026
Trusting Jesus and obeying His call takes commitment, it takes faith, it takes the courage to face antagonism, discomfort and sometimes suffering.
Praying Together 26th July 2026
Just cling to the promise that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Pray Together 19th July 2026
We define hope as ‘to want something to happen or to be true, and have a good reason to think that it might’.
Praying Together 12th July 2026
But the real task to which godparents promise is to ensure that the newly-baptised are supported in their Christian growth, by prayer, advice and example.
Praying Together 5th July 2026
We obey His command, but not as slaves – instead, he invites us to be willing servants, alongside the freedom to always ask and reason together with Him as we choose our actions. Therein lies the path to Wisdom, and in God’s Wisdom lies gentleness, humility and rest for our souls.