THE shepherd and his flock have been down to the river and he has led his flock across. As our Lord says of a good shepherd, he goes before, and the sheep follow. Not all in the same manner, however—some enter boldly, and come straight across. These are the loved ones of the flock, who keep near by the footsteps of the shepherd, whether sauntering through the green meadows by the still waters, feeding upon the mountains, or resting at noon beneath the shadow of a great rock. And now others enter, but in doubt and alarm. By staying far from their guide they miss the ford, and are carried down the stream, some more, some less; and yet, one by one, they all struggle and make good their landing. Some refuse to enter, and must be driven into the stream by the shepherd’s dog.
Poor things! how they leap, and plunge, and bleat in terror! That weak one will be swept quite away, and perish in the sea. But, no, the shepherd himself, leaps into the stream, lifts it into his bosom, and bears it trembling to the shore. Now all are safely over how happy they appear! The lambs frisk and gambol about in high spirits, while the older ones gather round their faithful guide, in subdued but expressive thankfulness.
Now, can you watch such a scene and not think of that Shepherd “Who leadeth His flock like Shepherd;” and of another river which His sheep have to cross? He, too, goes before, and, as in the case of this flock, they who keep near Him fear no evil. They hear His voice saving, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the floods, they shall not overflow thee.” Isa. 43:22When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isaiah 43:2).
With their eyes fixed upon Him they scarcely see the stream, or feel its cold and threatening waves. The great majority, however, “linger, shivering on the brink, and fear to launch away.” They lag behind, and, like Peter, on stormy Gennesareth when faith failed, they begin to sink. Then they cry for help, and not in vain. The Good Shepherd hastens to the rescue, and none of His sheep can ever perish even the weakest lambkins are carried safely over.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.
“My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.”
ML-04/18/1920