The One Who Cares for You
By I. A. Crane
ARE you tempted to think yourself too guilty to be the object of the Saviour’s care? Do you feel that you cannot hope for God’s mercy and forgiveness? Know to-day, dear reader, that whoever you are, whatever your sin, however hopeless your case may appear, you need not despair. Jesus came to save the lost. The Shepherd is not seeking the sheep that are in safety. He seeks for the sheep that is lost. Luke 15:4. Do you feel that you are hopelessly lost? Take courage. You can be saved. You are still the object of the Saviour’s love. Your Shepherd has left the care of all the flock, and seeks for you. He is not a hireling shepherd, who has no care of the flock. He gives His life for the flock. John 10:15. It is true you are guilty and self-condemned. You have disregarded His word, and sought pleasure in sin. Now the evil days have come, and you find yourself hopelessly entangled. Your mightiest struggles only increase your hopelessness. You are lost—lost! You can never hope to free yourself or find the way. Yet, thank God, you have a Shepherd! He seeks you now. Think of His love and sacrifice for you. Think of His almighty power. You can know that He will never give up His search for His lost one “till He find it.” He will surely hear your faintest cry. Will you not to-day surrender all to Him, and let Him save you? Make all heaven rejoice by believing His goodness, and trusting His power to save. Let your heart respond to His call to you. Acknowledge to Him your sins, and tell Him you are willing to give up all and be obedient in all things. He who cleansed the vile leper can save you from the power of your sins. Can you not believe that He who made the worlds can save you from your sinful habits? Is not He able to keep you from falling? Jude 24. Truly He is able and willing. Trust your helpless, lost soul in His care, and learn the meaning and joy of the words, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10.