The Eternal Folding of the Flock

‘FOR THE LAMB. WHICH IS IN THE MIDST OF THE THRONE, SHALL FEED THEM, AND SHALL LEAD THEM UNTO LIVING FOUNTAINS OF WATERS; AND GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES.” — REY. VII. 17-

In the preceding chapter, we contemplated that majestic scene, — the Shepherd-King seated on the throne of His glory, at the great final gathering of His flock; separating the sheep from the goats; — and apportioning to each their .several awards.

One, and only one additional theme remains. But it is that towards which all the others point and converge. It is the assembling of the flock within the Fold of Heaven. The world’s long day is now over; — Time’s curfew-bell is tolling, proclaiming that evening has come — that earth’s fires are to be put out, and the flocks to he folded. Or rather, the long spring-time of everlasting bliss and glory has begun. The bleak herbage of the wilderness — the brookless channels — the falling snows — the angry tempests — the roar of the ravening wolves — are known no more. It is a glorious picture of unbroken sunshine; — gleaming pastures; — pellucid waters, — living fountains!

The passage selected for these concluding meditations, suggests some thoughts, alike regarding the Shepherd and the Sheep.

I. The Shepherd. It is evidently the vision of a pastoral scene which is now in the eye of the Apostle of Patmos. We have all the accessories of such a scene.

First, in the words of contrast: — where the picture of a flock is brought before us — bleating amid arid pastures — panting defenceless under the fierce rays of a burning sun — and turning oft their languid eyes towards waterless courses; — “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, neither shall the sun light upon them, nor any heat,” And then observe his positive description of the bliss of the ransomed. It is a flock feeding on the meadows of Heaven, and reclining by its perennial streams. They are “fed” on these abiding pastures; — and “led” to “the. living fountains of waters.”

We look for the completion of the picture. We see the rejoicing sheep browsing on the everlasting hills. But we gaze in vain for the great central Figure. We expect to see the glorified Shepherd seated on some sunny eminence overlooking “the multitude which no man can number,” and which He has purchased with His own blood. Jesus is there; we see Him. But, strange mixture of metaphor; — it is not as a shepheed, but as a lamb He precedes the flock; — feeding them and leading them. It is one of those singular, dream-like transitions common in prophetic symbol; — but which, when we come to examine them, are so significant and full of meaning. We have in a previous apocalyptic vision, (chap, v..) a similar startling and remarkable figuration; startling, from the same powerful (we had almost said violent) change of metaphor. The apostle had been speaking of Christ as the “Lion of the tribe of Judah,” breaking the seals of the prophetic roll — and unfolding the destinies of the Church and the world. In most magnificent language, he further describes all

Heaven, redeemed and unredeemed — “ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands “— gathered in to do homage to this August Being who had” prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.” When we gaze, amid the stupendous throng, for the object of this adoration — lo! we are arrested by the sight, not of a Lion, but of a Lamb! It is the same in this beautiful pastoral vision. We lose sight for the moment,, of the Shepherd; — or, if in reality He still remains, the beloved evangelist at all events describes Him under a different symbol and epithet. It is the name which he himself knew so well, — that by which the Great Shepherd was first pointed out to him; — He loves it still — “Behold the Lamb of God r

But there must have been some greater truth hidden under this change of simile than the mere association of the writer. Let us briefly inquire what that truth is; — in other words, what we may deduce from this apparently singular metaphor, of the Lamb leading the flock to their pastures of blessedness.

The description implies, that there will be a continual remembrance on the part of the ransomed, of the death and sufferings of their Shepherd. In that same remarkable passage to which we have just adverted, it is not only a Lamb that is represented as receiving the homage of countless worshippers, but it is specially noted and delineated, “a Lamb as it had been slain;” — a Lamb with the blood-marks upon it; — wounded and smitten. A Lamb slain! Strange symbol, in the place where suffering never enters, and death is unknown! What is this, but in the most expressive figurative language to tell ns, that Christ’s sacrificial death will ever he present to the thoughts of the Becleemecl; — that Calvary’s Cross and Calvary’s Sufferer, — the sword awaking from its scabbard and smiting the Shepherd, will continue the theme of eternity. Yes, though all remembrance of death and suffering -will otherwise be banished from Heaven; — no pang known — no pain capable of being either felt or feared; it would appear, there shall, through all coming ages, be one exception; one memory of ignominy and superhuman anguish. The once smitten Shepherd will be there, with wounds in His hands. “And one shall say unto Him, what are these wounds in thine hands? Then He shall answer, those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends!” He wears the sign and memorial of Buffering on His glorified body; and as the Redeemed flock gaze on the significant emblem, they will cry to one another — “The great love wherewith He loved us I” “The Good Shepherd gave His own life for the sheep!” *

A second truth we may gather from this figure of the Lamb leading the ransomed in the Heavenly world is, the perpetuity of Christ’s exalted human nature. It is not as a kingly Shepherd He leads, but as one of the flock Himself — wearing their nature. In an earlier portion of this volume, we dwelt at some length on the holy huinanity of the Son of God; — how when He came clown to

* See this thought powerfully expounded and illustrated in one of Canon Melvill’s Sermons, “The Lamb Slain in the midst of the Throne.”

tabernacle on earth, He set up His own tent among human tents. “The Word was made flesh, and dwelt” (literally, tented or tabernacled) “among us.” i( In all things He was made like unto His brethren.” He was Brother in our nature, — “bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh!” What of His Divine Person, now that He is exalted? How in this respect will He stand related to His ransomed flock and fold to all eternity?

He is, and ever will be “that same Jesus” unchanged and unchangeable. John, when he first saw Him in his Resurrection glories in Patmos, “fell at His feet as one dead.” On many antecedent occasions, it had been otherwise with that favoured disciple. He had oft times enjoyed with Him, confiding, endearing fellowship. He had pillowed his head on His bosom at the last Supper; — He had received the last injunction and benediction of love from His lips on the cross. Now, however, when He beheld the lustre of His ascended majesty; — His feet like burning brass — His eyes like a flame of fire — His voice like the noise of many waters — the bright blaze of unearthly glory projected on His path, — he fell prone to the ground, awe-struck and speechless. But a gentle Hand is laid upon him; — a gentle Voice restores his confidence. It is the Lamb of God still! — The Brother with His changeless human tenderness! “He laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am He that liveth and was dead, and behold I am alive for evermore.” And in the vision we are now considering, he sees the Lamb — the glorified Piedeemer — still retaining the identical nature in which He suffered, “leading” His people in the realms of everlasting day! Christ’s mediatorial kingdom, with regard to His saints, shall continue for ever. With respect to His enemies — after their final trial- and doom, that reign shall cease. It is said, “Then shall He deliver up the kingdom “— (that portion of His sovereignty which has reference to the wicked) — “to God, even the Father:” — (into the hands of God absolute.) But it is different with His reign over His ransomed and triumphant Church — “of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end.” God hath given Him “length of days for ever and ever.” The Lamb, “slain from the foundation of the world,” is still, in the glories of exalted Humanity, to lead His Redeemed to the living fountains of war.:-. In name, and nature, and love, Jesus Christ is” the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever! M

Let us pass now from the glorified Leadee to the glorified FLOCK. Let us gather a few thoughts, from what is here said, regarding the Redeemed in glory. The Lamb feeds them, and leads them to living fountains of waters, and God wipes away all tears from their eyes.

The first thought these words suggest is — that all the joys of the ransomed Flock will be associated with the love and companionship of their Shepherd. He feeds — He leads — He wipes away all tears from their eyes; — and in a previous verse, (15,) under a different figure, it is said, “He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among the :,” Heaven would be no heaven without Jesus. Take Him away! It would be to blot out the sun from the cele; firmament; — every star would hide its face; — the angel would disrobe him of his shining attire, and stand in sackcloth before the vacant throne! Take Him away! let the Shepherd leave His Redeemed Church, — and yon might give the flock heaven’s choicest pastures, — you might sentinel the heavenly fold with archangels, — it would be no compensation for the loss. The long forgotten cry would ascend piteously amid the fairest landscapes of Paradise Regained; — “Tell me, 0 Thou whom my soul loveth, where Thou feeclest, where Thou makest Thy flock to rest at noon!” But He, the Shepherd-King, whose invitation on the throne of judgment was, — “Come, ye blessed,” — will be true to His word. As He was with them in all places whither they were scattered in the cloudy and dark day, — so, in the bright and cloudless day of glory; in all places He will be with them. We may take the words of a beafutiful parallel passage of Old Testament, and give them a heavenly meaning; — “Their pastures shall be in all high places; they shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor sun smite them; for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them — even by the springs of water shall He guide them,”’ “Leading” them, “feeding” them, — wiping the very tear-drops from their eyes. What figurative language could express nearer, closer, more intimate fellowship and communion! The fellowship of the believer and his Saviour on earth, — alas! how fitful, intermittent, transient! He is too often “like a stranger in the land, and like a wayfaring man, that turneth aside to tarry for a night,” But in Heaven, in the full vision and fruition of a Saviour-God, — the song lisped here, often with trembling lips and stammering tongue, will rise triumphant from an ever-present experience of its bliss — “Who shall separate me from the love of Christ?” “Thou wilt show me the path of life. In Thy presence there is fulness of joy!”

Oh what a motive for holiness of life and character does this thought supply! Heaven, an eternity with Jesus. Heaven, everlasting companionship with infinite purity, tenderness, love. To enjoy Him, I must be like Him. Earthly friendships are formed and cemented by identity and similarity of tastes, pursuits, and enjoyments. What should be my life-long aspiration now, in the prospect of living for ever in the presence and fellowship of the Holy Oxe? “Let every man that hath this hope in him purify himself, even as He is pure!”

This description would seem to denote, an infinite progression in the joys and felicities of the Ransomed flock. The Shepherd is seen leading them from pasture to pasture, from fountain to fountain, from eminence to eminence, — higher and yet higher up the hills of God. On earth, the pilgrim company are represented as going i: from strength to strength,” It will be so, in a nobler sense, in Heaven. As the loftier we ascend a mountain, the wider is the landscape that is spread before us; — so the higher the heavenly pilgrim mounts in his ever-upward ascent — the wider will be the horizon and circumference of his joys. His song will be the true “Song of degrees,” He will be attaining ever new views of God; — new unfoldings, and revelations of the Divine purposes; — new motives for the ceaseless activities of his holy being. Heaven will thus, in the language of the old divines, be “a rest without a rest.” “They rest.” (i They rest not.”

. Such is the beautiful delineation here given in the vision of the Seer of Patmos. The Lamb is represented first as <: feeding’’ His flock. They lie down at His side, in restful repose, by the green pastures of His love, — basking under the sunshine of His smile. Next, the Lamb is represented as “leading” them. The rest is for the time over. He leads them deeper and yet deeper, through these sunlit meads, along these glorified valleys, to new living fountains of water; — ever advancing, yet never reaching the plenitude of bliss; — satisfied to the full, and yet ever new satisfaction: — pastures ever greener — waters ever clearer — the sun of their joy ever climbing the sky and never reaching the meridian. The plummet-line let down, and vet the cry ever the same, ascending from the unsounded infinite of love — “Oh the depth!”

The figurative language of the evangelist further indicates, that there will be an unfolding of the Shepherd’s wisdom and faithfulness in His earthly dispensations. Not only is the Lamb to feed them with gracious views of the Divine dealings, and to lead them from fountain to fountain of wisdom, and goodness, and grace: — but by a beautiful and most expressive symbol, God is represented as wiping away all tears from their eyes. As if, when they entered glory, some lingering tears were still there. As if the eye had not recovered from the night of earthly weeping. But, ere long, no remaining vestige of sorrow will be found. As in a forest, after a drenching thunder-shower, every bough, and blade, and leaf is dripping with rain; for a considerable time after the sun has shone out, and the sky is blue, and the birds of the grove are singing, — the lingering drops gem the branches, and sprinkle the sward. But the sun is up: and his genial rays are drinking up the moisture — nature’s tear-drops. One by one they evaporate, — slowly, gradually; and the refreshed forest rejoices, and basks in the sun’s radiance. So with the great Sun of Deity in heaven. One by one, earth’s remaining tears vanish before the radiance of that Sun of Wisdom and Love. Weeping can be no more; — the fountain of weeping, — the memory of weeping, are gone for ever! Beautiful as are the preceding representations of the Lamb leading, and feeding, — we love to dwell on this finishing touch in the inspired picture — “God wiping away all tears from the eyes.” Do you wonder, Header, at your Shepherd’s dealings? Are you apt, with misgiving heart, to ask — why that desolation of the earthly fold? why that angry hurricane — that hoarse night -wind — that pelting rain, which destroyed the choicest pasture, and maddened into foaming torrent the calm still water — sweeping loved ones down the resistless flood? Yes! and you may carry these tearful eyes with you as you enter heaven. But there is a gracious Hand waiting there to wipe each one of them away. These lingering drops will be crystal lenses, through which, as you enter glory, you will see in vivid manifestation the loving-kindness and faithfulness. of your Heavenly Father. Are you wondering now why that wolf of the forest was allowed to prowl upon your path? You will see then, that it was to lead you nearer, and keep you nearer the Great Shepherd. Do you wonder why these springs and rills of earthly happiness were withdrawn, or dried in their channels? — why a blight was suffered to pass over your earthly pasture? It was to lead you to feel and to exclaim — ‘0 God, all my happiness, — all my springs, are in Thee!’ Do you wonder now why that lamb of the flock was early taken? You will see then, that it was in ordei to lead yourself through the wick’et-gate. He emptied thy home, and thy heart, and thy Fold on earth — that He might lead thee and thine to the better Fold above. Following the steps of the Heavenly Shepherd, as one by one in the fold of the ransomed — these “loved and lost ones” — will be revealed to your sight, one here, one there, reposing in the celestial,, pastures; — when you see to what a blessed land you had early sent your children, — how will the once tear-bedimmed eye have its every tear wiped away; — and at the contemplation of God’s wisdom and love, in what appeared at the time the dark providences of earth — the ever deepening song will ascend — “So we Thy people and sheep of Thy pasture, will give Thee thanks for ever!”

Yet once more, this description would seem to indicate, that there will be a variety and diversity in the joys of Heaven, suited to the various capacities and tastes of the Redeemed. It is not to one fountain to which the Lamb is said to lead them; they are” living- fountains of waters!’ Like the four-branched river in the first earthly Eden, there

s will be, from the one great river of Deity, streams which make glad the city of God. There will be some streams of calm, pellucid, peaceful meditation; — some that leap from rock to rock, singing their way onward, bearing in their course refreshment and joy. The pastures will be different. Some will delight to feed on the pastures of knowledge; — some to repose on the pastures of love; — some to climb the mountain in the ceaseless activities of holy ardour, — their truest rest will be worship — their highest joy, holy work and labour. We delight to think of the Flock of Heaven — each member of it perfect in the full measure of its own bliss — but each under the Shepherd’s eye, thus following the pasture, or climbing the mountain-steep, or browsing by the streamlet, it most loves. And yet, all the Fold, in these separate and distinctive ways, combining to glorify their Shepherd-King.

Flock of the ransomed! while yet out in the lower valley, — not unfrequently, it may be, overtaken by the cloud and the storm, — cleave more and more closely to your Divine Shepherd. He has promised to give you “grace and glory; “— admission to the Fold on earth, and an everlasting entrance into the better Fold above. Some who read these pages may possibly be scattered far and wide, feeding on different pastures, penned in different earthly folds, and tended by different under-shephercls. May we meet at last, an undivided Flock, under the One Shepherd, amid more enduring pastures! Make sure now of your personal and saving interest in His Shepherd-love. Enter by the one door into the sheep-fold. Follow with unwavering eye His footsteps; — repose on Him your “burdens; — confide to Him your misgivings and fears. Let life be a happy, peaceful reclining by the green pastures and still waters of His love. Let Death’s anticipated valley-gloom be dispelled by a present and habitual leaning on the rod and staff of His immutable promises; “and when the CHIEF SHEPHERD shall appear, ye shall receive A CROWN OF GLORY, THAT FADETH NOT AWAY!”