His Most dogs left to themselves would have wandered away maybe to find a new home, but not Shep. He had seen his master leave on the train, and somehow thought that he would return by the same train. The next day when the train pulled into Fort Benton, Shep was there waiting for it. He walked among all the passengers that stepped off, looking into their faces, hoping to recognize the one he loved. Needless to say he didnt find him, but Shep didnt give up. He came back the next day also, and the next, and the next always checking each passenger to see if one of them were his master.

The train conductor noticed the strange behavior of the dog that came again and again every time a train arrived in Fort Benton. The conductor pieced together Sheps story by asking a few questions around town. Shep faithfully looking for his old master became a topic of interest to many people. Some people even made the train trip to Fort Benton to see the dog for themselves. Shep didnt disappoint them. Whether it was raining, snowing, or bitter cold, every day for the next 5 1/2 years until he died, Shep never missed checking the passengers of the incoming train.

Sheps faithfulness and loyalty to his master are remarkable. Very few stories about dogs can rival Sheps. Faithfulness and loyalty are traits that we admire in persons too. If we have faithful and loyal friends we can count ourselves fortunate indeed. Whether you know it or not you have a great friend whose faithfulness and loyalty are unrivalled. This friend has your best interest in mind, and the good of your welfare in his heart, at all times. Even though you may not know him, he knows you, and knows what you need, better than you do yourself.

Everyone His name is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and he is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. In love and faithfulness to humanity he left the glories of heaven and came to earth to reveal Gods heart of love to a world of lost sinners. In faithfulness to the creatures that would so despitefully use him he went all the way to the cross.

Greater love than this has no man that he should lay down his life for his friends. At the cross he made a way for hell-deserving sinners to turn around and find forgiveness and eternal life from God. Eternal life is more than only a life that never dies. It is far more than that. It is life that can enjoy the same joy that that filled the heart of the Lord Jesus. This joy comes from knowing God the Father and ever seeking to please and obey him. On earth we can know it in some measure. In heaven we will know it fully, completely, and without interruption. Just to be in heaven and in the presence of the Lord Jesus will be joy so great words can only begin to describe it.

Jesus Christ is sometimes called the Sinners Friend because no matter how deep in iniquity a person may have fallen he can work wonders in that life. He can forgive, cleanse, justify, redeem and turn such a fallen one into a child that loves God. Do you feel yourself far from God, full of grief and bitterness, and doing hateful things? Dont despair, Come to Jesus. He is the sinners friend. Never was a friend so faithful, and what he has done for others he can do for you.

If it were not for his faithfulness in seeking lost souls like a shepherd seeking a lost sheep, not one of us would ever be saved. You can be sure he is looking for you even now. Wont you hear him speaking through his word inviting you to come to him that you might have life? My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hands.

Sheps story moves our hearts because he was so faithful. Wont you let the true story of the Lord Jesus and all he did to save you, move you to accept him as your Savior? His love to you is unrivalled. His faithfulness and loyalty in his dealings towards you are unequalled. Dont go on being a stranger to his love and grace another day. Oh, that your eyes might be opened to what God has done for you and that you might bow your heart to him and confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.