June 27

The Great Shepherd

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with every good thing to do His will. And may He accomplish in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. — Heb 13:20-21 BSB

It is immensely comforting to know that our Heavenly Father is “the God of Peace.” He is the God of the gentle breeze, the evening glow, and a mother’s tender care. His gentleness and patience can be trusted to make us great. He does not crush bruised reeds, and He tenderly fans the smoking flax into flame. There is no need to fear God—He is the God of Peace!

He raised from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep. As Jesus descended into the valley of death, He committed His spirit into the Father’s hands, confident that the path of life would open before Him. He knew the Father would welcome Him. And God did not fail Him! No matter how low He descended—even into the depths of Hades—the Everlasting Arms were always beneath Him. God raised Him up, having loosed the pains of death because it was impossible for Him to be held by them.

And God will do the same for His flock! Many sheep have been scattered in the dark and cloudy days of life. Will every one of them be recovered and led to the green pastures and still waters of Paradise? Yes, every one! The great Shepherd will not be content if even one of the Father’s sheep is missing (John 10:28-29). Remember the parable of the Shepherd who left the ninety-nine to find the one lost sheep. If you have come to Him by your will and choice, you are included in the Father’s gift to Him.

We are secure in the position that grace has given us. This security is not only promised by God but sealed by the blood of the Cross. That’s the meaning of the phrase “the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the eternal covenant.” That word eternal takes us back to the timeless past when this covenant was established. We can humbly believe that our names are written in the Book of Life of the Lamb, slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8; 21:27). But remember, we are saved to save others! It is through this that we make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10).

Prayer

We thank You, blessed Master, not only that You have cleansed us from our sins but that You have entered into and ratified by Your precious blood the eternal covenant that makes us Yours forever. Amen.