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Divine Shepherd
293
a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His
sheep.
Jesus knows every person as fully as if he were the only one for
whom the Savior died. The distress of each one touches His heart.
He came to draw all to Himself. He knows all who gladly hear His
call and are ready to come under His shepherding care. He says,
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
Why His Sheep Gladly Follow Him
Eastern shepherds do not drive their sheep. They do not depend
on force or fear, but going ahead of them, they call the sheep. The
Savior-Shepherd does the same with His sheep. He declares, “I have
loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I
have drawn you.”
Jeremiah 31:3
.
It is not fear of punishment or hope of everlasting reward that
leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They see the Savior’s
matchless love revealed from the manger of Bethlehem to Calvary’s
cross, and the sight of Him attracts, softens, and subdues them. Love
awakens in their hearts. They hear His voice, and they follow Him.
The shepherd goes ahead of the sheep, encountering the perils
first. So does Jesus with His people. The way to heaven is made
holy by the Savior’s footprints.
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Though now He shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost
none of His compassion. Today His pierced hand reaches out to
bless His people in the world. “And they shall never perish; neither
shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” The person who has
come to Christ in faith is more precious in His sight than the whole
world. He will never abandon one for whom He has died. Unless
His followers choose to leave Him, He will hold them securely.
Christ Is Still Our Personal Shepherd
Our never-failing Helper does not leave us alone to struggle with
temptation and finally be crushed with burdens and sorrow. Though
now He is hidden from mortal sight, the ear of faith can hear His
voice saying, “Fear not; I am with you. I have endured your sorrows,
experienced your struggles, encountered your temptations. I know