THE LITTLE FLOCK
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"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said,"
"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." — Luke 12:32
The music of the Shepherd's voice again! Another comforting "word," and how tender! His flock, a little flock, a feeble flock, a fearful flock — but a beloved flock — loved of the Father, enjoying His "good pleasure," and soon to be a glorified flock — safe in the fold, secure within the kingdom! How does He quiet their fears and misgivings? As they stand panting on the bleak mountainside, He points His crook upwards to the bright and shining gates of glory, and says, "It is your Father's good pleasure to give you these!" What gentle words! what a blessed consummation! Gracious Saviour, Your gentleness has made me great!
That kingdom is the believer's — by irreversible and inalienable covenant-right. Says Jesus in another place, "I appoint unto you a kingdom, as My Father has appointed unto Me." It is as sure as everlasting love and almighty power can make it. Satan, the great foe of the kingdom, may be injecting foul misgivings, doubts, and fears as to your security; but he cannot divest you of your purchased immunities! He must first pluck the crown from the 'brow upon the throne', before he can weaken or impair this sure word of promise! If "it pleased the Lord" to bruise the Shepherd — then it will surely please Him to glorify the purchased flock.
Believers, think of this! "It is your Father's good pleasure." The Good Shepherd, in leading you across the intervening mountains, shows you signals and memorials of paternal grace studding all the way. He may "lead you about" in your way there. How did He lead the children of Israel of old out of Egypt — to their promised kingdom? By forty years' wilderness discipline and privations! But trust Him; do not dishonour Him with guilty doubts and fears. Do not look back on your dark, stumbling paths, nor within on your fitful and vacillating heart; but forwards to the promised heavenly kingdom!
Let the melody of the Shepherd's voice fall gently on your ear, "It is your Father's good pleasure." I have given you, He seems to say, the best proof that it is My good pleasure. In order to purchase that kingdom — I died for you! "I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find My sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day." Fear not, then, little flock! Though for a while, you are in the bleak mountain and arid wasteland, seeking your way Zion ward, it may be "with torn fleeces and bleeding feet;" for, "It is not the will of your Father who is in Heaven — that one of these little ones should perish!"
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