The Shepherd Gathers in His Sheep

The Lord Jesus tells us in John 10 that He is the Good Shepherd. He not only came to gather in the lost sheep of Israel, but also to call out to the sheep not of Israel’s fold. Though most of us here aren’t Israelites, we’ve heard His voice, and now have joined with true Israel whom Christ has gathered together to form one fold with one Shepherd. 

When we baptize a child of believing parents, we’re trusting that through these waters, Christ, the Good Shepherd, makes His Gospel call heard & known to this child. From this day on, may he learn to hear the Shepherd’s voice at every turn, and may he come to be gathered up with all the sheep of the Lord’s flock. The Shepherd’s call rings out not only to this child, but to us all through this covenant sign. His call is this: “Repent, & believe.”