July 9When he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice — John 10:4.
The voice of the Good Shepherd is a blending of various sounds in a manner in which they are blended by no other voice. His voice sounds forth the chord of justice commingled with the chord of love, and the whole intoned with wisdom and with power. Other theories, plans and schemes of men and devils have no such harmony of sound as has the message which the Great Shepherd has sent us through His Son. Moreover, when the true sheep hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, it satisfies their longings as nothing else could do. They will no longer be in danger of being attracted by other sounds or voices, theories or schemes, but will reply to all, "Jesus has satisfied, Jesus is mine." —Z '00, 230 (R 2672). The Lord put forth His sheep from the Mosaic Covenant fold by His death and their consecration into Him. Like a true shepherd, He did not drive but led them; and they followed Him to the green pastures and the quiet waters of the Word and the blessed paths of righteousness. They recognize His voice—the Truth—by its sweet, comforting and harmonious ring, which is life to them—P '36, 94. Parallel passages: Ezek. 34:2, 12, 14, 23; John 14:6; Rom. 5:1, 2; Heb. 10:19-22; John 10:1-18; 15:13; Psa. 23:1-4; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 5:4; Zech. 11:17; Nah. 1:7; 1 Cor. 8:3; 2 Tim. 1:12; Isa. 53:6. Hymns: 284, 286, 288, 257, 12, 87, 145. Poems of Dawn, 70: The Lord My Shepherd. Tower Reading: Z '10, 398 (R 4732). Questions: How did Jesus as Shepherd and I as a sheep act toward one another this week? Under what circumstances? With what results? |
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THE LORD MY SHEPHERD
THE Lord my shepherd feeds me,
And I no want shall know;
He in green pastures leads me,
By streams which gently flow.
He doth, when ill betides me,
Restore me from distress;
For His name's sake He guides me
In paths of righteousness.
His rod and staff shall cheer me,
When passing death's dark vale;
My Lord will still be near me,
And I shall fear no ill.
My food He doth appoint me,
Prepared before my foes;
With oil He doth anoint me;
My cup of bliss o'erflows.
His goodness shall not leave me,
His mercy still shall guide,
Till God's house shall receive me,
Forever to abide.
THE Lord my shepherd feeds me,
And I no want shall know;
He in green pastures leads me,
By streams which gently flow.
He doth, when ill betides me,
Restore me from distress;
For His name's sake He guides me
In paths of righteousness.
His rod and staff shall cheer me,
When passing death's dark vale;
My Lord will still be near me,
And I shall fear no ill.
My food He doth appoint me,
Prepared before my foes;
With oil He doth anoint me;
My cup of bliss o'erflows.
His goodness shall not leave me,
His mercy still shall guide,
Till God's house shall receive me,
Forever to abide.
