THE GREAT SHEPHERD

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21 NKJV)

Isn’t it most comforting that our heavenly Father is "the God of Peace.'" He is the God of the gentle zephyr, of the evening glow, of the mother's brooding care; and may be trusted by His gentleness and patience to make us great. Bruised reeds are not trampled beneath His feet, and the smoking flax is fanned into a flame. Do not be afraid of God! He is the God of Peace!

He brought from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep. As our Lord descended into the Valley of Death, He breathed His departing spirit into the Father's hands. He knew that the path of life would unfold before Him. He knew that the Father's welcome awaited Him. And God did not fail Him! However low He went, when He descended into Hades, the everlasting arms were always beneath Him; and God raised Him up, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible that He should be trapped by it.

And will God do less for the flock! There are many of the sheep that have been scattered in the cloudy and dark days. Will every sheep and lamb be recovered, and led to the green pastures and beside the quiet waters of paradise? Yes, every one! The great Shepherd would not be content if one were missing of those whom the Father has given Him (John 10:28-29). Remember His parable of the Shepherd who left the ninety and nine to recover the one. If you have come to Him by your will and choice and are striving to do His will, you are included in the Father's gift.

We are secure in the position which His grace and our obedient faith have given us. It is secured not only by the promise of God, but sealed by the blood of the cross. That is the meaning of the words: "The Great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant." Note that word eternal, which carries us back to the timeless past, when this covenant was made. We may therefore humbly believe that our names are written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8; 21:27) But we are saved to save others! It is thus that we make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10).

PRAYER

We thank You, blessed Master, not only that You have cleansed us from our sins, but that You have entered into, and ratified by Your atoning blood, the eternal covenant which has made us Yours for ever. In your name I pray, AMEN.