Dr. Booth's Story
The Good Shepherd is faithful and trustworthy, and He will take care of those who are His, leading them to eternal life and joy in heaven.
D.L. Moody shares the poignant story of Dr. Booth, who, despite the loss of his children, finds hope in the imagery of a shepherd guiding his flock across a stream. The shepherd's act of carrying two lambs symbolizes how the Good Shepherd, Jesus, takes our loved ones to heaven, encouraging grieving parents to look up and follow Him. Moody emphasizes that the loss of loved ones is not the end, but a call to trust in God's promise of eternal life and the preparation of a heavenly home. This message serves as a reminder of the comfort and hope found in faith during times of sorrow.
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Dr. Booth of New York, who has lost all his children--I say lost, but they are not lost; they are all in heaven--was telling me about being in an eastern country some time ago, and he saw a shepherd going down to a stream, and he wanted to get his flock across. He went into the water and called them by name, but they came down to the bank and bleated, and were too much afraid to follow. At last he got out of the water, tightened his girdle about his loins, and took up two little lambs and put one inside his frock, and another inside his bosom. And then he started into the water, and the old ones looked up to the shepherd instead of down into the water.
They wanted to see their little ones, and so he got them over the water and led them into the green pastures on the other side.
How many times the Good Shepherd has come down here and taken a little lamb to the hilltops of glory, and then the father and mother begin to look up and follow! Am I not talking to some father or mother that has some loved one gone over the stream? The Good Shepherd has taken it that He may draw you to the world of light, where He has gone to prepare mansions for those that love Him.
Sermon Outline
- The Good Shepherd's Love
- The Shepherd's Call
- The Shepherd's Reward
- Eternal Life
- Joy in Heaven
Key Quotes
“How many times the Good Shepherd has come down here and taken a little lamb to the hilltops of glory, and then the father and mother begin to look up and follow!” — D.L. Moody
“The Good Shepherd has taken it that He may draw you to the world of light, where He has gone to prepare mansions for those that love Him.” — D.L. Moody
Application Points
- Trust in the Good Shepherd's guidance and leadership in your life.
- Follow the Good Shepherd's call, and He will lead you to eternal life and joy in heaven.
- Remember that the Good Shepherd is faithful and trustworthy, and He will take care of those who are His.