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From Heaven With Love
Every soul is as fully known to Jesus as if he were the only one
for whom the Saviour died. The distress of every one touches His
heart. He came to draw all men unto Himself. He knows who gladly
hear His call, and are ready to come under His pastoral care. He
says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow
Me.”
Why His Sheep Gladly Follow Him
The Eastern shepherd does not drive his sheep. He depends
not upon force or fear; but going before, he calls them. So does
the Saviour-Shepherd with His sheep. He declares, “I have loved
thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I
drawn thee.”
Jeremiah 31:3
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It is not fear of punishment or hope of everlasting reward that
leads the disciples of Christ to follow Him. They behold the
Saviour’s matchless love revealed from the manger of Bethlehem to
Calvary’s cross, and the sight of Him attracts, softens, and subdues
the soul. Love awakens in the heart. They hear His voice, and they
follow Him.
The shepherd goes before his sheep, himself first encountering
the perils. So does Jesus with His people. The way to heaven is
consecrated by the Saviour’s footprints.
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Though now He shares the throne of the universe, Jesus has lost
none of His compassion. Today the hand that was pierced is reached
forth to bless His people in the world. “And they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” The soul that has
given himself to Christ 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 fast.
Christ Is Still Our Personal Shepherd
Our never-failing Helper does not leave us alone to struggle with
temptation and be finally 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