chapter six
THE GOOD SHEPHERD
I am the good
shepherd. I know my flock and they know me, even as the Father knows
me and I know the Father. I am willing to give my life for the sake
of the sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them each by name,
and they follow me. I give them eternal life. They will never be
destroyed, nor can anyone tear them out of my hand. My Father, who
gave them to me, is greater than any kingdom or power; and no force
is able to pluck even the weakest from his mighty hand. Still, there
are many sheep that are lost outside the fold: I must gather them
as well. They too, will rejoice at the sound of my voice, and will
become members of one great fold, with one shepherd to care for
them night and day.
He that enters
in by the front door of the fold is the shepherd of the sheep. To
him the doorkeeper opens the door, and the sheep thrill at the sound
of his voice. He calls them each by name, and leads them out to
green pastures. When he leads the sheep out to graze, he goes before
them. They follow him, comforted by the words that he speaks. They
will not follow a stranger; instead, they run from the sound of
an unfamiliar voice.
I am the good
shepherd who gives my life for the sheep. The hired hand is no substitute.
He does not care for the sheep as if they were his own; and when
the wolf comes he runs away, leaving the sheep unguarded. The wolf
catches them, and they are scattered.
I am the door
to the sheepfold. Those who attempt to enter this fold by any other
way are thieves and robbers. Many imposters have come before me,
but the sheep did not recognize or follow them. I am the door. Enter
by this door and you will be safe, free to go in and out, and find
food.
This earth is
plagued by corruption, by death and destruction. I have come to
undo this curse, that you might discover the true meaning of life
and be blessed.
turn to chapter seven: FOOD FOR THE SOUL
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