August 6

I am the good shepherd.—John 10:10.

THERE is no title more frequently applied to Jesus in the divine word than that of the shepherd. He is addressed by the Psalmist as the Shepherd of Israel. Ezekiel speaks of him as God's servant David, who shall feed his people and be their shepherd. The Apostle in his letter to the Hebrews, styles him the great Shepherd of the Sheep. And Peter referring to the day of his second advent, describes him as the chief Shepherd, who shall appear and give the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Jesus says, "I am the good shepherd." As a shepherd, Jesus hath his flock, which consists of all who truly love and serve him. This flock hath existed in the world from the time of Abel to the present hour. The sheep of this flock are easily distinguished from the men of the world, by their meekness, patience, goodness, and usefulness. They are a separated and holy flock. Christ hath found them when wandering from him on the dark mountains of iniquity, and hath borne them on his shoulders to his own fold. His likeness they bear, his spirit they possess, his words they hear and obey. To follow him is their pleasure and delight. And as their shepherd, he watches over them, and preserves them from their numerous enemies,—he also leadeth them into green pastures, and by the sides of still waters, he never allows any evil to befall them; and from his abundance they ever receive a supply of all their need, and the Lord being their shepherd they never want. He also bindeth up their wounds, and healeth all their diseases, and after having made them meet, for the celestial pastures of Zion's fruitful hill, he receives them to himself, and where he is, they are for ever, also—

"In pastures where salvation grows, He makes me feed, he makes me rest; There living water gently flows, And all the food's divinely blest.

My wand'ring feet his ways mistake, But he restores my soul to peace, And leads me for his mercy's sake, In the fair paths of righteousness!"