ONE summer we visited a farmer, and one morning, at his desire, we went out to count the sheep and lambs.
The lambs, we may say, were nearly full-grown.
We were sorry to find that one lamb was missing in the count. Close search was therefore at once made at the pools, open ditches and other dangerous places, and the stray lamb was at last found caught among the thorns and briars of the hedge, and a good deal out of sight. It was most interesting to see that when set free, it scampered off across the meadow to its own company, where it was evidently very happy, and its companions seemed not less pleased to see their young friend liberated, and with them again. We noticed, too, that where this poor lost creature was found, it had eaten every particle of green food within its reach, and it must have soon perished of hunger if it had remained there much longer.
God looks upon everyone who has not been found and set free by the loving Shepherd of our souls as still lost and bound with Satan’s thorns and briars. The Lord Jesus, as you know, in love and grace “came to seek and to save that which was lost,” and “died the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.”
Dear young reader, have you yet really known yourself lost, found, freed and have you reached your own company?
How delighted God’s dear children always are to see others saved and brought to be with them. Love likes company and heaven is full of it.
“THERE IS JOY IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER THAT REPENTETH.” Luke15:10
Jesus seeks, saves and satisfies
forever and He only can. Then, dear one, make quite sure of your heavenly portion, and enjoy it on the road with the Lord’s beloved people! You cannot regret it!
The Shepherd sought the sheep,
The sheep that went astray;
He followed me o’er vale and hill,
Along the weary way.
He found me nigh to death,
Famished and faint and lone;
He drew me with the cords of love,
He saved the wandering one.
He brought me to His flock,
Beneath His rod to pass,
He led me by the crystal spring,
To crop the tender grass.
There, with His sheep redeemed,
I know His watchful care,
I rest encircled by His love,
And none can harm me there.
ML 05/29/1927