eternity

t the end of the day, the sheep are led into the fold. All their wanderings are over. They are safe and snug and protected in the presence of the shepherd. They have been counted, each one by name, and cleaned and refreshed and fed. And now, what contentment and comfort and rest! No dangers here--no wolves or lions in this place of safety--just the sheep and their shepherd with his loving care.

At the end of the days of our world, our Shepherd will take us into His fold. God's people, who have been wanderers and strangers in a dark and sinful world, will be provided an eternal home.

"...No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." 1Corinthians 2:9, NIV.

"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." Revelation 7:17, NIV.

Every child of God who has been counted and named in His book of life, who has been cleansed by the blood of Christ, will be free of the wounds and scars of sin.

There will no longer be a tempter to draw us away from God.

". . . And there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Revelation 21:4, KJV.

"No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." Revelation 22: 3-5, NIV.

"And when the Chief Shepherd appears,

you will receive the crown of glory

that will never fade away."

1 Peter 5:4, NIV.

But the scars of Jesus our Shepherd will always remain as a reminder that "by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5, NIV). He healed our wounds by the stripes He Himself bore on our behalf. "If someone asks him, 'What are these wounds on your body?' he will answer, 'The wounds I was given at the house of my friends.'" Zechariah 13:6, NIV.