![]() We dare not dream that the Son of God can be disappointed of the object for which he died, and for which he lives again. In the risen life of Jesus assurance is made doubly sure: now are we sure that his design must be carried out, nothing can hinder it. If he rose with greater power, clothed with higher rank, and elevated to a more eminent position, and if he still pursued his great object, you would then be more than certain of his never-ending determination to perform his design. If a man dies to achieve a purpose, you feel sure that his very soul must have been in it: but if that man should rise again from the dead, and still pursue his purpose you would see how resolutely he was set on his design. So far we are cheered by the vanguard which marches in advance of our text.īut as if the poor, timid people of God would, nevertheless, at times fancy that the purpose of Christ would not be achieved, behold in the rear another sentence, “I lay down my life that I might take it again.” He that died, and so redeemed his people by price, lives that he may himself personally see that they are also redeemed by power. Jesus says, “I laydown my life for the sheep,” therefore the sheep must live who have been redeemed at such a price as this, and the Shepherd in them shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied. Though heaven and earth should pass away, the precious heart’s blood of the Son of God shall accomplish the end for which it was so freely poured forth. It must not, shall not be that God’s own Son shall lay down his life in vain. Rest assured of the Father’s love to those sheep rest assured of the immutability of the Divine purpose concerning them, and rest assured of its ultimate achievement. ![]() If Jesus has laid down his life for the sheep, then all is well. In darkest times that glorious cross flames with light. The supposition of a Saviour disappointed in the results of his blood-shedding is not to be tolerated for a moment. ![]() We both patiently hope and quietly wait to see the salvation of God, and the performance of all his designs of love for that death upon the cross is a cause which will surely produce its effect. Whatever was proposed to be accomplished by the laying down of the life of the Son of God, we feel absolutely certain that it will be fully performed in the teeth of all adversaries for we are not now speaking of man’s design, but of the purpose of God, to which he devoted the heart’s blood of his only-begotten Son. We think it a kind of blasphemy to suppose that his blood should be spilt for naught. Beyond this we are hereby assured beyond a shadow of a doubt that the divine purpose will be carried out, for it cannot be that Christ should die in vain. Now also arc we absolutely certain that Christ’s purpose is perpetual: it cannot alter the Lord Jesus has committed himself to that purpose beyond recall, for the price is paid and the deed is done by which the purpose is to be effected. Now are we sure of the love of the Son of God to his chosen flock, for we have an infallible proof of it in the laying down of his life for them. The Lord Jesus has by his death proved his love to his people and his determination to save them is made clear by bis laying down his life for them therefore doubt and fear should be banished and the very name of despair should be unknown among the Israel of God. Before it we hear the Master say, “I lay down my life for the sheep,” and immediately after it we meet with another grand sentence, “I lay down my life, that I might take it again.” The first statement, “I lay down my life for the sheep” is the sheet anchor of our confidence when storms assail the vessel of the church. THIS verse is guarded before and behind by two notable statements. “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice and they shall be one fold, and one shepherd (or more correctly, one flock, one shepherd).”- John x.
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