AMONG the many names given us in God’s word for the Lord Jesus Christ, we find that He is frequently spoken of as the Shepherd of His people. If our only idea of a shepherd had to be taken from a man with a heavy stick, and a dog barking beside him, driving a flock of sheep through the streets, we should not easily understand the reason of this. But such a man is not a real shepherd. In Eastern countries, instead of driving the sheep, the shepherd leads them. He walks before, and they follow. It is his business to find pasture for them, therefore it is necessary that they should be taught to follow, and not to stray away. Wandering sheep are sure to get into trouble. The shepherd calls to them from time to time, to remind them of his presence. They know his voice, and follow on; but if a stranger call, they lift up their heads in alarm, and if the call is repeated they turn and flee, because they know not the voice of a stranger. Many adventures with wild beasts occur, and the faithful shepherd has often to risk his life to defend his flock. A few years ago, a flock was attacked by three robbers, and the shepherd instead of fleeing, fought with them, and died among the sheep he was defending.
We are told that some sheep always keep near to the shepherd, and are his special favorites; and the kind shepherd is ever distributing to such, choice portions that he gathers for the purpose. These are the contented and happy ones. They are in no danger of getting lost or running into mischief; nor do the wild beasts or thieves come near them. But there are others that are restless and discontented. These cost the good shepherd much trouble.
I think this description of the Eastern shepherd will enable you easily to understand the tenth chapter of John’s gospel, and the reason why Jesus speaks of Himself as the Good Shepherd—for just what those shepherds do for the sheep, He does for His people. He says: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”
First, He knows them. He knows everyone of those who belong to the flock, for He is Himself the door of the fold, and there is no other way of entering but by trusting only in Him.
A short time ago, at a children’s meeting, an address was given from these words, “He knoweth them that trust in Him.” (Nah. 1:77The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)). I said to a little girl afterward, “Does the Lord know you?” “Yes,” she answered. “How do you know that?” I asked. “Because I am trusting in Him.” “Well,” I said, “How long have you been trusting Jesus?” She looked down, and then said, “Only since I came here this afternoon.” She heard the Shepherd’s voice—she did not wait until she should have returned to her home. She did not even wait until the meeting was over; but, while she was listening to the invitation to those children present, to come at once, just as they were, and trust in the Saviour, she entered into the fold, by just taking the Lord at His word, and she began from that afternoon, to trust Jesus as her Saviour, and to follow Him as her Shepherd.
I hope you can say, like that little girl, that you have already began to do this; but, if you cannot say so, will you hear His voice now, and will you come to Him now, and take Him for your Saviour and your Guide? You will meet with temptations, and trials, and difficulties, but, if you only keep close to Him, He will lead you safely through them.
I remember, some years ago, when in Germany, I used to think how much I should like to get to the top of a certain mountain. I could see a path, like a white thread, which wound upwards to the summit, and between the path and the road which led from the town there was a wood. One day we set out, intending, if possible, to reach that mountain top. We got on very well until we came to the wood, and then, as we advanced, it became more and more gloomy. We inquired of a man, who was going in the same direction, if we were taking the right way? He said we were, and that, if we would follow him, he would direct us. We did so for a short distance, but when it became quite dark, and we could not see the sky through the trees, we turned back. If we had only followed that man who offered to guide us we should soon have come out into the light and sunshine on the other side, but the darkness frightened us.
In not this a picture of what some do? They follow Jesus as long as the way is easy and pleasant, and when they meet with trials they turn back. But these are not the sheep who keep nearest to the Shepherd.
When you meet with temptations and trials, then keep nearer to the Shepherd, and, although sometimes—
“The path may seem dark as He leads you along
Following Jesus, you cannot go wrong.”
He will keep you; He will lead you; He will give you all you need.