THEY had been old Sandy the Shepherd's faithful companion for many years. She had just helped him round up the flock and put them into the fold. When Sandy counted the sheep, he discovered that two were missing. So he went to the kennel where Shep was sleeping and said, "Shep, two sheep are missing! Go and find them!"
The faithful dog immediately arose and went off into the storm to hunt for the lost sheep. Sometime later she returned with one of them.
Old Sandy patted his friend and praised her. Then he said, "Shep, one more sheep is missing! Go and find it!"
Shep looked into her master's face and once more headed out into the darkness and storm. Several hours passed and then Sandy heard a scratching at the door. Sure enough there was the dog with the other sheep which she had found. Again old Sandy patted and praised her and then he took the sheep to the fold.
Shep started back to her kennel but just outside she fell over dead. The long ordeal of climbing hills and clambering over rocks in search of the lost sheep had proved too much for the faithful old dog. Her heart had given out. She had saved the lost sheep but it cost her own life.
The Lord Jesus, on the cross, gave His life to save sinners. "He came to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19:1010For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. (Luke 19:10).
"But none of the ransomed ever knew
How deep were the waters crossed,
Or how dark was the night that
the Lord passed through
Ere he found His sheep that was lost."
Shep was a faithful shepherd. The Lord Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep." John 10:1111I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (John 10:11).
Messages of the Love of God 11/16/1975