All The Tender Lambs Of Christ’s Flock
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also that shall believe in me through their word.”—John 17:20
What a rich fund of comfort is here for every believer in the Lord. His loving heart was not contracted, nor his eyes of compassion confined to the little flock now with him; but he looked forward in love, his bowels of tender mercy yearned over, and his innocent tongue pleads in behalf of all the tender lambs of his flock, through all succeeding ages, in every period of time. Yea, ere they had a being in the world, or faith in their hearts, they had an interest in Jesus’ prayers, for they were given to him by the Father. Methinks one hears some poor doubting member of Jesus saying, ‘Ah, if I was but sure that my worthless name was written in the Lamb’s book of life; if I could but know his heart of love was towards poor sinful me; that I was included in the happy catalogue of those whom Jesus prayed for, how happy, how joyful should I be!’ Here thy Lord has answered thy request. Read it for the joy of thy heart, and for the establishing thy soul in faith and love. Hast thou heard the apostolic truth, Salvation by Jesus Christ? Is it glad tidings to thy heart? Dost thou believe in Jesus Christ as the only Saviour of the lost and guilty, as the only hope for thy otherwise hopeless soul? If so, thou hast as much reason to conclude that Jesus prayed for thee, as though thy name was written at full length in this very petition. Jesus prays for ‘all who shall believe in him through the apostles’ word.’
The whole of salvation is sure to all believers, even the weakest of all, from the covenant, from Jesus, from the Spirit, and from the oath and promises of God. Though there is a sea of corruption and sin in thy nature, a world of temptation around thee, legions of devils in battle-array against thy poor soul; yet as thou hast the faith of God’s elect in thine heart, be it ever so weak, thou art possessed of a precious jewel, which is the inestimable gift of God’s holy Spirit. And verily, as sure as Jesus prayed this prayer unto his Father on earth, thou, even thou, wast in his all-seeing eye; hadst a place in his loving heart, and hast an interest in his finished salvation. Therefore be assured thou shalt most certainly be brought to glory, to ascribe salvation to God and the Lamb, through the happy, happy ages of a never-ending eternity. For so is the righteous challenge of our Saviour: ‘Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory.’ John 17:24
He lives, he lives, and sits above,
For ever interceding there;
Who shall divide us from Christ’s love,
Or what shall tempt us to despair?
Faith has an overcoming power,
It triumphs in a dying hour
Christ is our life, our joy, our hope,
Nor can we sink with such a prop.
William Mason (1719-1791) was a High-Calvinist author. For many years he served as a Justice of the Peace, and in 1783 was appointed a Magistrate. He served as editor of the Gospel Magazine before and after the editorship of Augustus Toplady. He is best known for a morning and evening devotional entitled, “A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God.”
