It would crush the highest archangel in an instant!
(Charles Simeon) LISTEN to Audio! Download Audio
“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep!” John 10:11
“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!” Matthew 1:21
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!” Isaiah 40:11
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 new-born 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!” John 10:27-28
