Under the Masters Watch

When I was in Israel I saw a little boy who could whistle and call his sheep as we call dogs. My son-in-law, who spent two years there, told me that some shepherds are so close to their sheep that they literally call the sheep by name, and the sheep come out of the flock. Jesus, understanding the nature of sheep, referred to them in characterizing the Pharisees and others who did not belong to his fold and did not recognize who he was. They did not come out and follow him as he called.

In John 10:7, the Savior explains that it is through him, and only through him, that mankind can gain entrance into his Heavenly Father’s kingdom: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.”

--- Homer S. Ellsworth

    Jesus Christ knows each of us by name, like some of the sheep herders that lived in Israel, he is very close to us, more than we even realize. We are characterized as his sheep, for he calls to us by name, with pure love that none can compare, he always wants the best for us. Sometimes I like to imagine it as this, that the sheep that are of the fold of Christ are kept in a beautiful pasture, they have all they need to live happily and they are under the watch of the master that will never let the enemy come upon them. Then there are the sheep that are on the outskirts who are not apart of the fold, and are on their own. The wolves and the predators that prowl for them are always on the watch and lie in wait to catch them, for the sheep have no protection. The shepherd (Christ) is always calling the sheep by name to come over to him, and he will open the gate to let the sheep enter into full safety of the masters watch. But unfortunately sometimes the sheep will stare at the gate but will not come because they like the freedom of what they think is the rest of the world. For the sheep don't realize the dangers that lie outside of the masters watch, and they do not realize that they shall have all they need in the masters watch, and protection forever.

     As I have gone through my time on my mission, I have seen people that respond to the call of Christ very quickly, they realize what the shepherd has to offer and accept the call. Yet there are those that sit at the gate, they hear the call of their master, for he has called them by name in love to let them in. But they sit at the GATE and DEBATE what freedom really is. Commandments are freedom, for they will set you free. Though others may think those of the fold are suppressed, the watchful eye of the master can see to the horizon and knows the dangers that lurk in the distance. For he guides his sheep in safe paths, while they who choose their own path do not see beyond their strides.

The Lord has given us a promise, that if we hearken to his voice and come under the watch of the master, we will be promised eternal life, peace, happiness, and our families forever. Do not WAIT at the GATE and DEBATE about what freedom really is, but enter into the fold and live peacefully under the MASTERS WATCH .