As the sun was setting in the western sky, it filled the neighboring rugged valley with a golden radiance. A well-known man stood near the summit of one of his native hills, watching a shepherd placing some sheep in a fold. Sorrow had entered the man's life and darkened his joy for the present and hopes for the future. His learning had failed to bring him the comfort he needed for the hour of trial. He was truly "without God and without hope."
At his side stood his eldest daughter. A few years before this, she had come under the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and by faith had accepted Christ as her Savior and Lord. She longed to see her father really happy.
As they stood together, one last sheep, after a good deal of coaxing and vain efforts to escape, at last walked through the door into the fold. The scene brought to the young woman's mind the familiar picture in John 10:9. "I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."
Turning to her father she laid her hand on his shoulder and said, "That's all you need to do, Father! Only enter in."
The Spirit of God used the simple message. There on that hillside the father saw that the work of salvation was complete in Christ Jesus. Entering in by faith, he was saved.
What his learning and efforts had failed to secure for him, he received the moment he, a lost sheep, entered through the door, Christ Jesus. Unspeakable joy was brought to his sin-sick soul.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep." John 10:11.