Our Shepherd

Elizabeth Elliott

Bishop Leslie Newbigin, in his South India Diary,
tells of the union of churches which took place
in South India in 1947. It was the culmination of
nearly fifty years of prayer and work on the part
of Indians and missionaries. At the second synod
a memorable sentence was spoken: "The demand to
know where we are going is one which no Christian
has a right to make." The bishop writes, "In a
very real sense we do not know where we are
going, but we are trying to meet day by day the
plain requirements of God's will. This means a
constant effort to bring every part of church
life and practice to the test of conformity with
the Gospel."

It is not for the flock of sheep to know the
pasture the Shepherd has in mind. It is for them
simply to follow Him. If they knew that his plans
included a valley of deep shadow, they would
panic. Keeping close to the one they have learned
to trust is all that is necessary. He will
faithfully provide rest, refreshment, correction,
and protection as the needs arise. His
accompanying presence is guaranteed, all the
way--even through the darkest shadows--to the
house of the Lord.