The Church: Its Organization, Order and Discipline

04 THE SHEPHERD AND HIS FLOCK

“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 forever and ever, amen.” Hebrews 13:20, 21. COOD 22.1

There are many texts in the Scriptures in which the Lord beautifully compares his people to sheep, needing and receiving the tender care of the great Shepherd; but we will notice in this connection a few only: “He is our God; and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand.” Psalm 95:7; 79:13; 100:3. “Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Psalm 77:20. “Give ear, O shepherd of Israel, thou that leddest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth.” Psalm 80:1. Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitary in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.: Micah 7:14. COOD 22.2

Not only has the Lord called his people sheep, but wandering and lost sheep: “My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting-place.” Jeremiah 50:6. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him [Christ] the iniquity of us all.” Isaiah 53:6: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant.” Psalm 119:176. “Mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.... Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jeremiah 13:20. COOD 22.3