7 SEPTEMBER
None like him
‘Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ Hebrews 13:20–21
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: John 10:1–18
Let us speak of the Shepherd. Jesus the Son of God, Christ the anointed, is the Shepherd. Herein we may notice:
(i) condescension. The Lord of angels, undertaking to be the Shepherd of sinners.
(ii) love. For his sheep were in a ruined state and must have perished, unless he had paid the redemption price. He is the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep.
(iii) authority. Anointed, sent and empowered for this purpose, and having done all in their behalf, he has a right to give them eternal life.
He is the great Shepherd. That great—emphatical—there is none like him, there is no other. He has many under-shepherds, his ministers, by whom as instruments he works, but whatever is effectually done is done by him. He fully and truly answers to the Shepherd’s character. This title is applied to him very early (Genesis 49 [verse 24]). The ancient patriarchs were mostly shepherds, Jacob in particular. He calls the Lord his Shepherd—the Shepherd of Israel. O how happy are his people! The welfare of the flock depends upon the ability and care of the Shepherd. None can shadow forth his qualifications.
FOR MEDITATION:
JEHOVAH is our Shepherd’s name,
Dear LORD, if I am one of thine,
Then what have we, though weak, to fear?
From anxious thoughts I would be free;
Our sin and folly we proclaim,
To trust, and love, and praise, is mine,
If we despond while he is near.
The care of all belongs to thee.
SERMON SERIES: HEBREWS 13:20–21, NO. 2 [2/3]
Milo 