JESUS OUR SHEPHERD.

 CHRIST ALONE

SEPTEMBER 25

JESUS OUR SHEPHERD.

And I will set up one shepherd over them, 

  and he shall feed them, even my servant David;

  he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 

                                                 Ezekiel 34:23

As a flock needs constant attention and constant care, 

so does the believer in Jesus. 

With a natural proneness to wander, 

  liable to many diseases,

   exposed to watchful and cruel foes,

    the care of a shepherd is constantly necessary. 

Jesus has been appointed to that office by his Father. 

He has assumed it, and has become the

   "great Shepherd of the sheep." 

He fills it, and brings honor to it. 

He knows the exact number of his flock; 

  he knows the name, nature, and 

  situation of every one committed 

    to his care. 

He has promised to - 
  watch over them,
    feed them,
       protect them, and
          present them sound and 

            whole before the presence of his Father!

He is always at his post. 

  He delights in his work. 

  He loves his sheep. 

  He feeds his flock. 

He gathers the lambs with his arm, 

  carries them in his bosom, and 

  gently leads those that are burdened. 

His watchfulness, vigilance, and care are such, 

  that though thousands have wandered, 

    he has never lost a lamb from his flock; and 

     what is better, if better can be, he never will.

He selects for them the best pasture, 

  and leads them to it. 

He conducts them to the clear, still waters, 

  that so they may feed, fatten, and rest. 

He rejoices over them to do them good 

  with his whole heart and with his whole soul.

Reader, are you one of the flock of Jesus?

 Do you know the great Shepherd's voice? 

Do you come at his call, and follow in his footsteps?

 Do you look to Christ alone as your Shepherd, 

   expecting him to -
  feed you,
   fold you,
    guide you,
     guard you, and
place you in the glorious presence of his Father forever?

If so, great are your privileges, happy is your lot, 

  glorious are your prospects. 

Keep close to your Shepherd's side, and 

   listen daily to your Shepherd's voice.

I am the good shepherd: 

  the good shepherd giveth his life 

     for the sheep.      John 10:11

 JAMES SMITH 1855