0639. In the Midst Shepherdizing

In the Midst Shepherdizing

"They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed (shepherdize) them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" (Rev, Rev_7:16-17).

1. There are three times where Christ is spoken of as a shepherd. He is the Good Shepherd on the Cross, giving His life for the sheep; He is the Great Shepherd in His resurrection, as He is brought again from the dead; He is the Chief Shepherd in His second advent, bestowing the crown of glory upon His faithful ones.

2. Those who are described in our text, were but a little while before, on earth in many trials and tears. The present scene is always described as the day of our trouble. "Ye now therefore have sorrow;" "In the world ye shall have tribulation;" "it is given unto you, in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake."

3. The scene of the text is Christ Jesus fondly shepherdizing those who had suffered for Him down here. He is leading them to live fountains of waters; He is feeding them; He is wiping all tears from their eyes.

What glory there awaits those who have served Him here. "I reckon that the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us" (Rom_8:18).

"He hath called us into His eternal glory, after that we have suffered a little while" (1Pe_5:10).

"A little while with tides of dark and light,

The moon shall fill,

Warm autumn’s gold be changed to shrouding white

And winter’s chill.

A little while shall tender human flowers

In beauty blow;

And, ceaselessly, through shade and sunny hours

Death’s harvest grow.

A little while shall cold star tapers burn

Through time’s brief night,

Then shall my soul’s Beloved One return

With day-spring, bright.

A little while, but oh, how long it seems–

My Jesus come,

Surpass the rapture of my sweetest dreams,

And take me home."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR