ALWAYS THERE

 

“By day and by night the shepherd is always with his sheep….This was necessary on account of the exposed nature of the land, and the presence of danger from wild animals and robbers. One of the most familiar and beautiful sights of the East is that of the shepherd leading his sheep to the pasture…..He depends upon the sheep to follow, and they in turn expect him never to leave them…

“As he is always with them, and so deeply interested in them, the shepherd comes to know his sheep very intimately…One day a missionary meeting a shepherd on one of the wildest parts of Lebanon, asked him various questions about his sheep, and among others if he counted them every night.

“One answering that he did not, he was asked how he knew if they were all there or not. His reply was: “Master, if you were to put a cloth over my eyes, and bring me any sheep and only let me put my hands on its face, I could tell in a moment if it was mine or not.”

-        George M. Mackie, “Bible Manners and Customs” p 33,35

The process of the Saviour’s Atonement through which He came to know us personally and intimately is beyond our comprehension but the proof of His involvement in our lives is unmistakable. In one way or another, we are each afforded experiences with the Spirit which speak of the reality of Him.

He is the ultimate shepherd who knows His sheep. He knows every pain, every difficulty, every desire, every intent. He is watching, guiding and protecting. And in the end, He will bring us home.

 

You see me dear Saviour,

Despite heaven’s vast expanse,

You hear the burning beat of my heart

Amidst the numberless host of heaven.

You cherish me,

More than the stars that encircle Thy throne;

Thy greatness is endless,

Thy power sublime.

I rest in Thy loving care

And trust in Thy watchful eye.

 - CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Shepherd of My Soul by Gabriel Heaton)