Episode 985
Finding the Lost: God's Radical Welcome
The central theme of this podcast episode revolves around the profound notion of leadership and community as articulated in the Gospel of John, specifically the metaphor of Jesus as the "good shepherd." We delve into the implications of radical servant leadership, wherein true authority is derived from selfless service to others rather than the mere exertion of power. The discussion further explores how Jesus's reference to "other sheep" serves as a challenge to religious exclusivity, advocating for a broader, more inclusive understanding of divine love that transcends human-made barriers. Additionally, we contemplate the transformative power of voluntary vulnerability, emphasizing that authentic leadership is often characterized by the willingness to embrace one's own weaknesses. Listeners are encouraged to identify and transcend a personal boundary, thereby fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness that reflects the essence of Jesus's teachings.
At the heart of this podcast episode lies a profound examination of the metaphor of Jesus as the good shepherd, as articulated in the Gospel of John. This metaphor not only serves to illuminate the nature of divine leadership but also invites a critical reflection on our own practices in leadership and community engagement. The speaker underscores that genuine leadership is fundamentally rooted in service rather than authority. This distinction is crucial as it delineates the good shepherd’s self-sacrificial love from the self-serving tendencies exhibited by the hired hand. Such a portrayal challenges us to reconsider our own leadership styles, urging us to adopt a disposition of servitude that prioritizes the well-being of others. Through personal anecdotes and illustrative examples, this segment emphasizes the importance of collaboration and support within communities, highlighting that true leadership is manifested through acts of service and solidarity.
The discourse also explores the theme of inclusivity, particularly in relation to the concept of 'other sheep.' This notion serves as a potent reminder of the necessity to transcend exclusive religious practices and embrace a more expansive understanding of divine love. The speaker articulates that this divine love is not confined to particular groups but is intended for all, urging us to dismantle the barriers that often segregate communities. By drawing connections to shared experiences in music and sports, the speaker illustrates how collective joy and teamwork can bridge divides, thereby fostering a sense of unity among diverse individuals. This exploration of inclusivity resonates powerfully in a world often marked by division and alienation.
Lastly, the episode addresses the transformative power of vulnerability in the context of leadership and community. The speaker argues that embracing vulnerability is an act of courage that facilitates deeper connections and healing within communities. By sharing their own vulnerabilities, individuals can create environments of trust and support that empower others to do the same. This is particularly relevant in the realm of health and wellness, where vulnerability can lead to authentic community building. The actionable steps provided encourage listeners to confront and transcend their own boundaries, fostering a spirit of openness and connection. This multifaceted exploration of leadership, inclusivity, and vulnerability encapsulates the core message of the episode, inviting us to reimagine our roles as shepherds in our communities.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, highlighting that true authority arises from serving others first.
- Listeners are encouraged to break down societal and religious barriers, recognizing that divine love transcends these constructs.
- A significant theme discussed is the concept of voluntary vulnerability, which fosters authentic community and healing among individuals.
- The action step proposed invites listeners to intentionally step across personal boundaries to foster inclusivity and connection with others.
- The episode underscores the notion that leadership involves sacrifice, as exemplified by Jesus's model of the good shepherd.
- The podcast advocates for recognizing the diversity within communities and promoting a sense of belonging for all individuals.
Links referenced in this episode:
Companies mentioned in this episode:
- voiceofgoddaily.com
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
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Transcript
Hello my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.
Speaker A:In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:The reading is understandable.
Speaker A:I use the Message version relatable.
Speaker A:Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.
Speaker A:We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by voiceofgoddaily.com which is the home of your free personal Bible study guide, the ABC123 Bible Study Method.
Speaker A: lionaires a million people by: Speaker A:You can help by saving and subscribing to the podcast and tagging your friends.
Speaker A:Here's today's reading.
Speaker B:So today I'm reading from the gospel of John 10, verses 11 through 21 from the Message I am the good Shepherd.
Speaker B:The good shepherd puts the sheep before himself, sacrifices himself if necessary.
Speaker B:A hired man is not a real shepherd.
Speaker B:The sheep mean nothing to him.
Speaker B:He sees a wolf come and runs forward, leaving the sheep to be ravaged and scattered by the wolf.
Speaker B:He's only in it for the money.
Speaker B:The sheep don't matter to him.
Speaker B:I am the good shepherd.
Speaker B:I know my own sheep and my sheep know me.
Speaker B:In the same way the Father knows me and I know the Father.
Speaker B:I put the sheep before myself, sacrificing myself if necessary.
Speaker B:You need to know that I have other sheep in addition to those in the pen.
Speaker B:I need to gather and bring them too.
Speaker B:They'll all recognize my voice.
Speaker B:Then it will be one flock, one shepherd.
Speaker B:This is why the Father loves me.
Speaker B:Because I freely lay down my own life and so I am free to take it up again.
Speaker B:No one takes it from me.
Speaker B:I lay it down of my own free will.
Speaker B:I have the right to lay it down.
Speaker B:I also have the right to take it up again.
Speaker B:I received this authority personally from my father.
Speaker B:This kind of talk caused another split in the Jewish ranks.
Speaker B:A lot of them were saying, he's crazy, a maniac.
Speaker B:He's out of his head completely.
Speaker B:Why bother listening to him?
Speaker B:But others weren't quite so sure.
Speaker B:These aren't the words of a crazy man.
Speaker B:Can a maniac open blind eyes?
Speaker A:That's the end of the reading.
Speaker B:Let's talk a little bit about this whole sensibility of reimagining leadership and community.
Speaker B:So one of the things I like to do is my wife and I take walks Almost every day.
Speaker B:And we hike in state parks and national parks and there's different kinds of pathways.
Speaker B:You know, there's different kinds of areas.
Speaker B:We recently were in the redwood forest and then we found ourselves in the desert of Death Valley.
Speaker B:There is.
Speaker B:Every group brings diverse, diverse groups of people who are different types of hikers, very casual people like us.
Speaker B:And to be very serious about it or have all the major equipment that it takes is different.
Speaker B:This kind of reminds me of today's passage from John, which speaks about leadership and inclusion in ways that may even surprise us.
Speaker B:So let's explore three progressive perspectives on this familiar text.
Speaker B:The first one is about radical servant leadership.
Speaker B:My wife and I have been married on coming up on 34 years and we raised three wonderful children.
Speaker B:And I've learned that true leadership sometimes isn't about authority, it's about service.
Speaker B:Serve first and the authority will be given to you.
Speaker B:I have a cancer support podcast as well, and we really talk about encouraging and empowering others rather than trying to direct them.
Speaker B:Jesus here presents a model of leadership that puts others first.
Speaker B:When you see a great team play and a great basketball team play, it's about teamwork.
Speaker B:And the best leaders are the ones who help the team to work and helps everybody else to look good.
Speaker B:Another point to share here is about breaking down barriers.
Speaker B:When Jesus mentions the other sheep, he's challenging religious exclusivity.
Speaker B:This isn't about different faith communities.
Speaker B:It's about recognizing that divine love transcends our human made boundaries.
Speaker B:Reminds me how things like music and sports and teamwork in a company can unite people.
Speaker B:People, no matter who you're cheering for, if you cheer for one another, then you can have a great team become a community in those moments.
Speaker B:Another point is about voluntary vulnerability.
Speaker B:The text emphasizes Jesus's voluntary choice to be vulnerable.
Speaker B:In our world of power plays and position protecting, choosing a vulnerability is revolutionary.
Speaker B:I work with cancer impacted people in my other podcast and I've witnessed how those who are vulnerable, you know, sensitive about their condition, are the most helpful ones to others who are going through it as well.
Speaker B:That creates authentic community and healing.
Speaker B:Here's your action step for the day.
Speaker B:Identify one boundary in your life.
Speaker B:It could be social, religious or cultural.
Speaker B:And intentionally step across that boundary.
Speaker B:Maybe you're having coffee with someone who is a little different than you.
Speaker B:Maybe faith tradition or their background or something else about them is just different.
Speaker B:Or maybe join some community group that you would normally consider joining.
Speaker B:Or reach out to someone you've previously excluded in your life.
Speaker B:Practice being a shepherd and regarding that and also practice being a sheep, that is one who follows one who's a leader.
Speaker B:Lead through service and be willing to be led by leaders.
Speaker B:We're going to pray here in just a minute, but I want you to know that we do have a great resource just for you.
Speaker B:If you wanted to be have your own at home Bible Study.
Speaker B:It is called the ABC1, 23 Bible study method.
Speaker B:You pick it up at our website voiceofgoddaily.com let's pray God you were a loving shepherd and help us to reimagine leadership as service and community as borderless.
Speaker B:Give us courage to be vulnerable and wisdom to recognize your voice in unexpected places.
Speaker B:Thank you for gathering us all into one flock while celebrating our diversity and guide us in breaking down walls that separate us from each other and from you.
Speaker B:Help us create spaces where everyone knows they belong.
Speaker B:Amen.
Speaker A:My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.
Speaker A:The Daily Bible Refresh is completely listener supported.
Speaker A: on years, a million people by: Speaker A:I would be so grateful if you would go to voiceofgodddaily.com and share your gift of any amount.
Speaker A:Thanks much.
Speaker A:My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:Please subscribe and tag your friends until tomorrow.
Speaker A:Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.
