Good Shepherd
43
A shepherd might have a hundred sheep, but if one was missing he
did not stay with those that were in the fold. He went to search for the
lost one.
Out in the dark night, through the storm, over mountains and
valleys, he would go. He would not rest till the sheep was found.
Then he took it in his arms, and carried it back to the fold. He did
not complain of the long, hard search, but gladly said:
“Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”
Luke 15:4-7
.
So the care of the Saviour-Shepherd is not for those only who are
in the fold. He says, “The Son of man is come to save that which was
lost.”
Matthew 18:11
.
“I say unto you, That likewise joy shall be in heaven over one
sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons,
[77]
which need no repentance.”
Luke 15:7
.
We have sinned, and have wandered away from God. Christ says
we are like the sheep that has wandered away from the fold. He came
to help us live without sin. This He calls bringing us back to the fold.
When we return with the Shepherd, and cease to sin, Christ says
to the angels in Heaven: “Rejoice with Me; for I have found My sheep
which was lost.”
And a joyful anthem rings out from the angelic choir, filling all
Heaven with richest melody.
Christ presents to us no picture of a sorrowful shepherd returning
without the sheep. Here is a pledge that not even one of the straying
sheep of God’s fold is overlooked.
Not one is left unhelped. Every one that will submit to be ransomed,
the Saviour will rescue from the wilds of sin.
Then let every wanderer from the fold take courage. The Good
Shepherd is searching for you. Remember that His work is “to save
that which was lost.” That means you.
To doubt the possibility of your salvation is to doubt the saving
power of Him who purchased you at an infinite cost. Let faith take the
place of unbelief. Look at the hands that were pierced for you, and
rejoice in their power to save.
Remember that God and Christ are interested in you, and that all
the host of Heaven are engaged in the work for the salvation of sinners.