The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-03-21

AOA 1880 1
spiritual good"
We resume our study Of the 10th
chapter Of. Johns Gospel, beginning at
verse eleven. In. verse second we read
OF a good shepherd, but in verse eleven
it Is "the good shepherd" ofw HON we
hear, and Christ says that it is he. His
words are 81 am h good shepherd,
and he differs from all others in that
he "giveth His life for the sheep He
stands forever by 1.-The sheep Of His
pasture" But this is not a character
istic Of the mere, 'hireling' who fees
when the wolves come. In verse eleven
We read Of a thief as we read in verse
one of a robber. Here we have "a
hireling" mentioned who leaveth the
sheep and feeth," and the reason given
is because he "careth not for the Sheep
The genuine, the devoted, the really
called" minister will stand faithfully
by his charge, by his flock, not because
he is IAN hireling," but because he is
Gods own minister called of Him and
equipped through the power of the
Holy Ghost. Christ is the great Ex-
emplar, for in verse fourteen, He de-
clares and repeats the statement of
verse eleven, 50" am the good shep-
herd" eminently, peculiarly, distinc-
lively so. In verse eleven, Christ de-
clares that II giveth His life for the
Sheep" in verse fourteen, He adds, tina
: Il know my sheep and am known OF
minQ' The sheen a r q HE hy p1,roh n GO
for He gave "his life" for them. Look
at Calvary's Cross and you will see the
price paid by the adorable Redeemer
as the Good Shepherd dying to save for
ever his faithful, believing followers. In
order that they might be His He died
for them-laid down His life for them.
He knows them n they know Him
as affirmed by the Master. There is a
close relationship, a most intimate fell
lowship between the Redeemer and the
bloodwashed. Good old Burkitt says
Of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd,
that He has a distinct knowledge of the
true members of His flock, that he has
for then "a knowledge of intelligence
and observation" "a knowledge Of ap-
probation and acceptation;" and "a
knowledge Of care and protection" He
draws a lesson for the men of his own
calling. He says that "the example of
Christ, the great and good Shepherd!
in laying down His life for His sheep,
teacheth all subordinate and inferior
shepherds, to prefer the good Of their
flock even before their own lives" But
are there many of the kind? So close is
the connection between the blessed
Saviour and his true people, that He
Hkens it to the connection between the
Father and Himself in a certain way.
He says He knows His own sheep and
in turn are known Of them, and adds:
LAS the Father knoweth one, ever SO
I know the Father" That is to say
in effect, 1.-THE mutual acpuaintanceship
between them and me is like that be-
tween me and my Father" (Warren.)
He repeats the statement of the elev-
n verse-"The good shepherd giveth
His Life for the Sheep" varying it.
"And I lay down my life for the sheep"
He died to save sinners. How should
this move with high ardors all who
name the name of Christ! What pro-
found, what sincere, what consuming
love should the redeemed have for the
Redeemer! He loved them so far as to
give His own life for their salvation.
This is the mighty expression of His
love INT it should call out in return
all the low of our nature towards Him
our Lord and Redeemer. He cares for
us. Must we not, think you. care for
Him. Follow thou me- the Master
said. Let US hear His voice-the voice
of our Good Shepherd. Let us copy His
example, walk in His ways, so that we
may be always near the bishop and
shepherd of our souls,' always realizing
that we are His, for He knows us and
we know Him.