The Church: Its Organization, Order and Discipline

The Shepherd of Our Souls

The apostle Peter says of those accepting the loving care of the true Shepherd: “Ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 1 Peter 2:25. We can say with the Psalmist when considering the tender care of the Great Shepherd: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1, 2. The manner in which he will do this is stated in these words: “Behold the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him, behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 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.” Isaiah 40:10, 11. Again, “Hear the word of the Lord, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, he that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.” Jeremiah 31:10. COOD 23.2

Of the Lord’s dealing with his flock when oppressed, we read, “As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.” Amos 3:12. Though the Lord’s people be surrounded by unbelief, and be subject to oppression, his comforting word comes: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. COOD 24.1