THE GATE

 

 

“Each evening at sundown, the shepherds bring their small flocks of sheep to a common enclosure where they are secured against the wolves that roam the deserts. A single shepherd then is employed to guard the gate until morning. Then the shepherds come to the enclosure one by one, enter therein, and call forth their sheep – by name. The sheep will not hearken unto the voice of a stranger but will leave the enclosure only in the care of their true shepherd, confident and secure because the shepherd knows their names and they know his voice.”

-        Elder John R. Lasater, “Shepherds of Israel”, Ensign, May 1988, p 74)

 

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

“But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

“To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

“And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

“I am the door of the sheep.

“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine…..I lay down my life for the sheep.”

-        John 10:2-5,7,9,11,14,15

 

 

How grateful to know Your voice

In this world of utter despair

And hear it echo

In Your loving tender care.

 

How fiercely You watch,

How tenderly You care,

How safe You make me feel

Knowing You are ever there.

 

How grateful I am to be in Your flock,

              How grateful to be in Your keep,                  

You are my shepherd

And I am Your sheep.

 - CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Gate by Jenedy Paige)