“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee”. – Jer. 31:3
| Australia as well as other places, sheep and livestock have traditionally been driven by force and fear. ‘Drovers’ play on the strong natural tendency of the sheep to panic. Cunning sheepdogs run back and forth to herd the sheep as the drover directs his dogs from either horse or motorcycle. Skilfully, the sheep are driven across vast distances into the desired area. Such was not the method used by shepherds of the ancient middle east, and even today this pastoral practice remains unchanged. With patient tenderness, the eastern shepherd raises his lambs and cares for the sickly and feeble. As he leads them to pasture and protects them from predators, a deep and abiding trust is developed towards the shepherd, and the sheep willingly follow him. Of His own sheep, the Good Shepherd says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). It is not by seeing, but by hearing, that His own sheep identify the Saviour Shepherd. Once lost in a dark world, the sheep begin to listen to the Shepherd’s call, just as the prophet Isaiah describes: “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isa 30:21). It is through this quiet voice in the conscience that the Good Shepherd speaks to His lost sheep. Even before they are conscious that it is the Saviour who draws them, they begin to follow Him by amending their deeds according to what they know to be right and true. Of such, Jesus declares, “he that doeth truth cometh to the light”. (John 3:21). While the Shepherd’s call goes out to all, many refuse to be drawn. The reason for this is laid out by the Shepherd himself: “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:20). Knowing the rebuke that the Shepherd has for the evil deeds they love, such avoid the Saviour. Turning from His pleading voice, they fall prey to the wolves and thieves from whom He desired to protect them. While among the most timid and helpless of all animals, the weakness of sheep is their greatest strength. Unlike goats which are renowned for being stubborn, quarrelsome, and self-willed, sheep are admired for their compliance, loyalty, and trust. When this weakness is united with Jesus’ strength, it is not possible for them to stray, for Jesus says: “I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). God bless, Chris (Earthen Vessels Ministry) “The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house. The prodigal son in his wretchedness “came to himself.” The deceptive power that Satan had exercised over him was broken. He saw that his suffering was the result of his own folly, and he said, “How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father.” Miserable as he was, the prodigal found hope in the conviction of his father’s love. It was that love which was drawing him toward home. So it is the assurance of God’s love that constrains the sinner to return to God. “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” Romans 2:4. A golden chain, the mercy and compassion of divine love, is passed around every imperiled soul. The Lord declares, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:3.” – Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, 202 |