It would crush the highest archangel
in an instant. By Charles Simeon. I am the good
shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his
life for the sheep. She will give birth to a son,
and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his
people from their sins. Salvation is a work which no
man could accomplish for himself. It is a work which all the angels
in heaven were unequal to perform. The curse due to sin must be
borne, even the wrath of Almighty God. Who could sustain this weight? It would crush the highest archangel
in an instant. None could endure it, but God's
divine Son, He cheerfully undertaking to bear it in our place. The
Father made Him our sin-atoning substitute, so that divine justice
being satisfied, and the law magnified by His obedience unto
death, Saving mercy might be extended unto us, and reconciliation
be made between God and His chosen people. Yet it was not enough
for Jesus to die for their sin. He will feed His flock like a
shepherd. He will carry the lambs in His
arms, holding them close to His heart. He will gently lead the
mother sheep with their young. They were wandering afar off,
and they must be searched out. They were in rebellion and must
be subdued. Even after they are truly converted
in this poor world, they are weak and must be upheld. They
are tempted and must be strengthened. They are beset with enemies and
must be protected. They must never be left to themselves
one moment. They must have everything done
for them. The whole care of preserving
them from first to last must be devolved on Him who died for
them. They must be carried in the arms,
dandled on the knees, fed at the bosom, and be watched over
exactly like newborn infants. Nothing less than this will suffice
for the redeemed people of God. Though there are millions of
His redeemed sheep spread over the face of the whole globe,
they must all be attended to as much as if there were only
one. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them, and they follow
me. I give them eternal life, and
they shall never perish. No one can snatch them out of
my hand.