Shepherd was taken, the sheep were allowed to flee away unharmed.
We need not hesitate to see in this incident an in- structive type of all our Saviour's dealings with His people even at this day. He will not suffer them " to be tempted above that which they are able to bear." He will hold the winds and storms in His hands, and not allow believers, however sifted and buffeted, to be utter- ly destroyed. He watches tenderly over every one of His children, and, like a wise physician, measures out the right quantity of their trials with unerring skill. "They shall never perish, neither shall any one pluck them out of His hand." (John x. 28.) For ever let us lean our souls on this precious truth. In the darkest hour the eye of the Lord Jesus is upon us, and our final safety is sure.
We should notice, lastly, in these verses, our Lord^s perfect suhTnission to his Father'' s will. Once, in another place, we find Him saying, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me : nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Again, in another place, we find Him saying, " If this cup may not pass away from Me except I drink it, Thy will be done." Here, however, we find even a higher pitch of cheerful acquiescence : " The cup that my Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it? " (Matt, xxvi. 39—42.)
Let us see in this blessed frame of mind, a pattern for all who profess and call themselves Christians. Far as we may come short of the Master's standard, let this be the mark at which we continually aim. Determina- tion to have our own way, and do only what we like, is one great source of unhappiness in the world. The habit of laying all our matters before God in prayer, and asking Him to choose our portion, is one chief secret of peace. He is the truly wise man who has learned to say