THE CHILDREN'S SHEPHERD

Tending sheep is one of the two oldest occupations in the world. Especially in Bible countries younger members of families have always helped in it even if only by day; the nights in those lands are too cold for them and often frosty too. The shepherd must care for the sheep and lambs in all weathers, lead them to green pastures and good waterings, heal them in sickness and keep them safe from danger. When we, as children, used to see sheep on the commons and in the parks of London the question was always, 'Where is the shepherd?' Usually he was hidden but he always appeared at once if his flock needed anything.

You will easily understand why the Lord Jesus spoke of Himself as a shepherd because we who believe are precious to Him and our souls need just the things that sheep and lambs need for their well-being. He is the good Shepherd even laying down His life for the sheep, knowing them all and known of them by His voice. Christians thus form one single flock, some of them Jewish believers, others from the various nations of the world but all belonging to one Shepherd. We know Jesus, raised from the dead by the God of peace, as the great Shepherd, wise and strong enough for every need we have - even if we should stray! Then at His coming again the chief Shepherd will honour everyone who has cared for the sheep during His absence.

By the time Joseph was seventeen he was tending his father's sheep and also seeing after the welfare of his brethren. From him we learn to be devoted to the care of one another even if it is not appreciated. David at about the same age had protected the flock from a lion and from a bear and no doubt from many lesser dangers. He teaches us to have secret experiences with God. The shepherd's bag with a pocket in it which he had, is something that we all ought to possess as a hidden source of power. To David it was greater than sword and armour, and what he had in it was more than enough to deliver God's people from danger. You will remember that he used only one stone out of five to slay Goliath. Perhaps the other stones represent the resource that his servants had in freeing Israel from the giant's four brothers, one of whom had fingers and toes twenty four in number! It has been said that David's five stones are like the letters of the English word 'faith'. Do you use your faith for the benefit of others?

J.C.Evershed