DAVID knew how he loved his sheep, and so no more endearing name could
be given to his Lord.
He is called "the chief Shepherd " by Peter in I. Pet. 5:4; for
Peter was looking for him to appear, and he knew him to be the chiefest
among ten thousand. And Peter's longing may be fulfilled today. So live
this day in the light, the hope, and the power of his appearing.
In John he is called "the good Shepherd." John 10:11. "I
am the good shepherd; the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
Then in the same chapter is given a description of what would really seem
to be the sheepfold, when it is written, "They shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28.
What a resting-place that is! What security is there!
But the next verse increases the sweetness and power of the thought. "My
Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to
pluck them out of my Father's hand." John10: 29. And it is as if the
Father's hand had just been placed over us as we rest in the hand of Christ.
This is indeed the sheepfold; and, if this is our place in the plan of
God, then surely nothing can molest us or make us afraid.
But the next verse really increases the comfort of the thought, when Jesus
says, "I and my Father are one." John 10:30. One in holding us
out to the end. One in protecting us from danger and from harm. One in
love toward us; for, having loved us, the love will be unto the end.
Granted the fact that yours is a life of discouragement, that everything
in life seems to be against you. Every day may be a day of blessing, every
hour an hour of victory, if but lived in the thought that Jehovah in his
might is your shepherd, in sympathy, in love, and in helpfulness.
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