Pastor's sermon is based on the gospel reading from John 17:6-19. In chapter 17, Jesus prays for his disciples. And what does he pray for? Not that their lives will be easy. Jesus knows it won't be easy. This world is captive to a spirit that is alien to God's Holy Spirit. Our world promotes a sense of scarcity instead of abundance; fear instead of courage; and selfishness instead of sacrificial love. Jesus is the Holy One who came to bring us abundant life. He doesn’t run away in the face of danger. On the contrary, the Good Shepherd is about to lay down his life for the sheep. Amen!
