(J. C. Ryle, “The Privileges of the True Christian“)
and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)The Lord Jesus Christ says of His sheep
their number,
names,
particular characters,
trials,
temptations,
doubts,
their prayers,
and private meditations.
I know everything about every one of them!
with difficulties in your way towards heaven,
difficulties from without and difficulties from within
and difficulties at home, grief for your own sins and
knows you well, though you may not realize it.
You never shed a secret tear or breathed a single
remembrance.
You need not fear His not understanding your needs.
He knows your particular necessities far better than
you do yourselves. Your humble prayers are no sooner
offered up than heard. You may sometimes sigh and
mourn for lack of Christian fellowship–but remember
that the Good Shepherd is ever about your path and
about your bed. His eyes are on all your movements.
No husband, brother, father, mother, sister, friend,
could take more tender interest in your soul’s welfare
than He does. If you sorrow He will bind up your
broken heart and pour in balm. He is ever watching
and observing and listening. The Good Shepherd is
acquainted with all your ways.