The shepherd and his flock have been down to the river, and he has led his flock across. As our Lord says of a good shepherd, he goes before, and the sheep follow. Not all in the same manner, however; some enter boldly, and come straight across. These are the loved ones of the flock, who keep near by the footsteps of the shepherd, whether sauntering through the green meadows by the still waters, feeding upon the mountains, or resting at noon beneath the shadow of a great rock. And now others enter, but in doubt and alarm.
Now, can you watch such a scene, and not think of that One “Who leadeth His flock like a Shepherd?” He, too, goes before, and, as in the case of this flock, they who keep near Him, fear no evil. They hear His voice saying,
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.
“My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand.”
ML 03/27/1938