THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The farmer had yet another bad year! He went to his banker and said, "I've got good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?"
The banker said, "Gimme the bad news first."
The farmer said, "With the drought and inflation, I won't be able to pay on my mortgage this year....can't pay principle, and can't pay interest."
The banker said, "That IS bad news."
The farmer said, "All that machinery, I bought .. I can't pay on that loan either."
The banker said, "That IS bad. But what's the GOOD news?"
The farmer said, "I intend to keep doing business with you!"
((The good news of the Gospel is that, in spite of our moral bankruptcy, God keeps doing business with us!))
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Isa 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
KJV
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Jesus is "The Great Shepherd." He feeds His flock. He cares for them and protects them. He nourishes those who are weak, and gently prods them into growth and strength. The weakest is just as important to Him as the strongest.
All the while, Jesus is gathering other sheep into His fold. He finds those who are ready to perish in the wilderness of sin, and brings them gently under His tender care. It is in His heart to gather ALL (2Peter3:9). And He is patient and loving, meeting them with grace, trying to bring them to safety.
Those who will come, He carries in His bosom until they are strengthened with His might. He supports them with His Holy Spirit, feeds them on His Holy Word, and encourages them with His church until they are strong enough to become servants in His field.
Those who reach out and bring others, Jesus gently leads. Though we become strong in faith, we still need the ministry of faith in order to minister to others. Were it not for the empowering and enabling of His love, we could never bring others.
Aren't you glad that Jesus met you on the road to hell and stopped you long enough to:
Convict your soul of sin,
Convince you of needing a Savior,
Call you to a Commitment of servantship,
and Compel you to share the wonderful news of His salvation?
Now He is constantly continuing care. When we are weak, He feeds us again, gathering us up in His arms. Then He carries us along in His loving arms, and when we are strong again, He gently leads into service for Him.
What a wonderful loving Savior, this GREAT SHEPHERD, Who constantly cares for His flock!
And one blessed day, He will COMPLETE the work of bringing us into His heavenly and eternal fold (Philippians 1:6).
Love ya,
Bruce