Responsibility of a Faithful Shepherd

In the East, a shepherd’s care for the flock was untiring and constant. Raiding thieves or beasts of prey lay in wait to steal the sheep. Shepherds watched their flocks at the peril of their own lives. Jacob, who kept Laban’s flocks, said, “In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes.” Genesis 31:40. While guarding his father’s sheep, the boy David singlehandedly rescued the stolen lamb from the lion and the bear.HH 224.2

A strong and tender attachment unites shepherds to the sheep in their care. Every sheep has its name and responds to the shepherd’s call. Likewise the divine Shepherd knows His flock that are scattered throughout the world. Jesus says, “I have called you by your name; you are Mine.” Isaiah 43:1. Jesus knows us individually and can sympathize with our weaknesses. He knows the very house in which we live. At times He has given directions to His servants to go to a certain street in a certain city, to such a house, to find one of His sheep.HH 224.3

Jesus knows every person as fully as if he were the only one for whom the Savior died. The distress of each one touches His heart. He came to draw all to Himself. He knows all who gladly hear His call and are ready to come under His shepherding care. He says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.”HH 224.4