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Christ is the Chief Shepherd, July 1
When the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that
fadeth not away.
1 Peter 5:4
.
A shepherd’s life was one of diligence. He was obliged to watch his flocks day
and night. Wild beasts were common, and often bold, and would do great injury to
flocks of sheep and cattle that were not guarded by a faithful shepherd. Although
Jacob had a number of servants to aid him in tending the flocks owned by himself
and Laban, yet the responsibility of the whole matter rested upon him. And in some
seasons of the year he was obliged to be with the flocks himself, day and night, to
protect them in the driest season of the year, that they should not perish with thirst;
and in the coldest part of the season, to save them from becoming chilled with the
heavy night frosts. Their flocks were also in danger of being stolen by unprincipled
shepherds, who wished to enrich themselves by stealing their neighbor’s cattle.
A shepherd’s life was one of constant care. He was not qualified for a shepherd
unless he was merciful, and possessed courage and perseverance. Jacob was chief
shepherd, and had shepherds under him who were termed servants. The chief
shepherd called these servants, to whom he intrusted the care of the flock, to a strict
account if they were not found in a flourishing condition. If there were any of the
cattle missing, the chief shepherd suffered the loss.
The relation of Christ to His people is compared to a shepherd. He saw, after the
Fall, His sheep in a pitiable condition exposed to sure destruction. He left the honors
and glory of His Father’s house to become a shepherd, to save the ... wandering
sheep who were ready to perish. His winning voice was heard calling them to
His fold, a safe and sure retreat from the hand of robbers; also a shelter from the
scorching heat, and a protection from the chilling blasts. His care was continually
exercised for the good of His sheep. He strengthened the weak, nourished the
suffering, and gathered the lambs of the flock in His arms, and carried them in His
bosom. His sheep love Him. He goeth before His sheep, and they hear His voice
and follow Him. “And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for
they know not the voice of strangers.” Christ says, “I am the good shepherd: the
good shepherd giveth His life for the sheep”....
Christ is the chief shepherd. He has intrusted the care of His flock to undershep-
herds. He requires these shepherds to have the same interest for His sheep which He
has ever manifested, and to ever feel the responsibility of the charge He has intrusted
to them.... If they imitate His self-denying example, the flock will prosper under
their care.... They will be constantly laboring for the welfare of the flock (
Spiritual
Gifts 3:122-124
).
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