Worship Preview 3.22.26 "Lent 5: Sheep Lost and Other Flocks"

Press Release for March 21, 2026

First United Methodist

WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY: 10:30am.“Lent 5: Sheep Lost and Other Flocks” 

Scriptures: Psalm 18, Psalm 27, 2 Samuel 12:1-10, Luke 15:1-7. Rev. Christopher Eshelman preaching.

On our Lenten journey on The Way has been framed by some questions: the impatience of: “Are We There Yet?” Going deeper to ponder: “Where Are We Going?” Last week we asked heard Jesus share the metaphors of Good Shepherd and Gate as we explored: “Who Are We Following?” This week we’ll continue to explore those metaphors, and focus on our own choices along the way – and to do that, we’ll hear some more familiar texts featuring sheep. From the Hebrew Scriptures, the Prophet Nathan confronts King David and from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus asking the religious authorities: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them.. “

We learn about David primarily from the books of 1^st and 2^nd Samuel (and 1^st and 2^nd Chronicles) in the Old Testament. You likely know David’s story – born in Bethlehem, a shepherd boy working in the fields who becomes known for his musical abilities – yet when the Prophet Samuel is sent to anoint a future King, David’s own father, Jesse, doesn’t consider him worthy to present. Samuel has to ask to see him and then anoints him – but David won’t gain a crown for as much as 20 years yet! He becomes a part of King Saul’s household, his music helping calm the erratic King. After killing Goliath, David becomes Saul’s chief General and a beloved friend and companion of Saul’s son Jonathan, but eventually “mad King Saul” becomes jealous of his victories, turns on him and repeatedly tries to kill him. David nonetheless still honors Saul as God’s anointed King and passes up at least 2 chances to kill Saul.

During this time, David has a growing following. Many of the Psalms come from this time of his life, thanking God for protection and crediting God for his successes. Psalm 18 has a superscription of which says David “sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” It begins: “I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer” and goes on, at length, to describe his desperation and God’s powerful interventions on his behalf.

Similarly, Psalm 27 is a song of confidence and trust in God with verses such as: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—  whom shall I fear?” and “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life... For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling… Your face, Lord, I will seek… I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

After Saul and Jonathan both die at the end of 1^st Samuel, 2^nd Samuel begins with David lamenting them – and becoming King of southern province or tribe of Judah, a small part of Saul’s lands. David eventually becomes King of all of Israel. But then, in Chapter 11, he stumbles. With his armies away at war, he lusts after Bathsheba, the wife Uriah, of one of his greatest warriors. He commits adultery, then, after attempting to cover that up, has Uriah deliberately abandoned and killed in battle. One sin leads to another and David is suddenly no longer acting as a “faithful servant of the Lord,” but with greed, selfishness, and malice. That, as we will hear, is when the Prophet Nathan comes to tell him a story about a poor man’s lamb.

As David shows us, it is so easy to rationalize and to begin walking our own paths instead of along the Way of Christ. We think we are good people. And yet, we are not immune to temptation. We stumble. We do harm. Lent reminds us of our need to repent. To seek the Lord. To continually check our path and be sure of who we are following. Lent is a chance to be intentional in listening for the shepherd’s voice and to be sure we are entering by the gate. That the Bible tells us this story about so great a figure at King David is a reminder that none of us are exempt and all of us need to practice repentance. Perhaps our own sins aren’t as harmful or violent as these, yet Jesus reminds us that “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” (Matthew 5:21-22). And yet, God does not abandon us to our sin – rather God seeks the lost – even just 1 out of 100 sheep! It doesn’t make any sense, until you realize you are that 1…

As we continue our Lenten journey, you are invited to bring your whole self, all your doubts, fears, and questions… all your hopes and dreams, to join with other imperfect people seeking to walk in the Way of Christ. Buen Camino! Blessings on your journey.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

FEEDING FAMILIES IN HIS NAME: Wednesday, March 25 - A free, no obligation meal is served “to-go” style from underneath our portico from 5:15pm to 6:15pm each Wednesday (note our new official start and end times), prepared each week by our members as well as several area churches and community groups. We aim to provide 400 meals per week.

FELLOWSHIP LUNCH POTATO BAR: 11:30am Friday, March 27^th. Our last fellowship lunch for this winter will be hosted by United Women in Faith and they will offer a potato bar for a freewill offering to benefit their mission and ministries. Mark your calendar and bring a friend!

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING – Open to the community! On Saturday, April 18^th Join Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center staff for a day of learning about how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges among adults. No cost, lunch provided with registration.

Register by calling Angie Smith at (620) 212-4404 or email adsmith@sekmhc.org.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES: March 29^th - Palm Sunday 10:30am. April 2 - Maundy Thursday 7pm. April 3^rd - Good Friday 7pm. April 5^th Easter: Sunrise Service at 7am at the parking lot behind the church (near 3^rd & Main) and then 10:30am for Easter Morning Worship in the Sanctuary! Join us!