A number of years ago Frank Arnold was accused of having stolen a sheep. The man accusing him, John Edwards, had him arrested and put in jail. John said that he had proof that the sheep belonged to him.
The case was brought before a judge who listened to both sides of the story. Each of the men said that the sheep belonged to him. John Edwards presented a bill of sale that showed that he had bought some sheep. However, the judge was not sure that this particular sheep was part of that sale.
The judge knew the habits of sheep and the customs of shepherds. Since both men standing before him claimed to be the shepherd who owned this sheep, the judge had the sheep brought into the courtroom. John was taken to another room off the courtroom. Then Frank was told to call the sheep. Frank called and whistled, but the sheep just stood there and did not move.
Then John, still in the other room off the courtroom, began to whistle softly, giving the call that he used when calling his sheep. This staled the sheep which immediately turned and trotted towards the door to answer the well-known call. The judge then had no difficulty deciding who was the real owner!
In God’s Word, the Bible, we read about the Good Shepherd whose sheep follow Him because they know His voice. They will run away from a stranger, because they do not know his voice. Jesus says in John 10:1111I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11), “I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep.”
Do you know what Jesus has done for you? Because He loves you so very much, He died on the cross, shedding His blood to wash away your sins so that you can live with Him in heaven forever. If you will ask Him to wash your sins away, you will be included as one of His sheep. He is a loving Shepherd who will take care of you and protect you until you are safely home with Him in heaven.
ML-12/06/1981