LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Good Shepherd
"...and there shall be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:16).
When the Good Shepherd sees that one of his sheep is lost, he leaves the others and searches for the lost one until he finds it. When he finds it, he lays it on his shoulders, full of joy, and when he arrives home, he gathers his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him (Luke 15:4-6).
However, even when gathered with others, his sheep suffer. When they go to eat from the grass and drink from the water, it often happens that they have to eat and drink what was trampled by the other sheep. They are pushed and wounded, until they are scattered, but then they are saved (Ezek. 34:18-22). Then he goes and calls his own by name, and leads them out to feed on the mountains of Israel by the rivers of water (Ezek. 34:13).
After he has led out those that belong to him, he goes ahead and his sheep follow him, because they know his voice. They will not follow the stranger; rather, they will flee from him (John 10:2-5). His sheep will be led by the Good Shepherd to gentle pastures and still waters. They will no longer be driven or gored, but will receive refreshment for their souls, and will be led in paths of righteousness. They shall lack nothing (Ps. 23:1-4).
During the walk, there will be valleys of the shadow of death and enemies, but he will be with them. His rod and staff comfort them. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. He gives them eternal life, and they shall never perish. It is the Father who gave them to him, and no one can snatch them out of his Father's hand. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow them all the days of their life, and they shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever and ever.
If you are one of the Lord's sheep, then the Good Shepherd will find you where you are, bring you to his House and feed you with his sheep, and there will be one flock and one Shepherd. As for the other sheep, and the rams and the goats, he will judge them (Ezek. 34:17).
"Let me know, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou sittest at noonday: for why should I be as a wanderer among the flocks of thy companions?" (Song 1:7). If this is your longing, O sheep of the Lord, when the Good Shepherd calls you, simply hear his voice and follow him, and you will feed with his flock forever.