The Promised Shepherd

Our promise path takes us today to Ezekiel 34. 

Allow the "I, myself" words of Your heavenly Father to touch those tender places in the deep recesses of your heart.

From one sheep to another, I confess that I considered myself a black sheep long ago. Long before I entered the Christ-fold. (Which probably explains the captivating effect this message has on me.)

Leading up to this point is chapter after condemning chapter of God's judgment in response to treacherous acts against Him. It is now especially soothing to read of His grace.

Leader after delegated leader failed to properly care for God’s people so God declared that He, Himself would personally step in to tend His flock. Our God is not far removed and distant. And His love could not idly bear His sheep being abused and led astray.

In your reading, be led by our Shepherd to green, still pastures and feed upon ancient promises made. Ancient promises kept.

"For thus says the Lord GOD:

Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep

and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.

I myself

will be the shepherd of my sheep,

and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.

I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed,

and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak...

And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture,

and I am your God,

declares the Lord GOD."

[Ez 34:11-12, 15-16a, 31 ESV adapted]

We also have affirmation from Jesus that He is the Promised Good Shepherd . . . the promise fulfilled.

“I am the good shepherd.

I know my own and my own know me,

just as the Father knows me and I know the Father;

and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

[Jn 10:14-15 ESV]

 He tends mercifully to His fold . . . and expects us to do the same.

Our Lord Jesus, Make us also shepherds of Your sheep. Help us to strengthen the weak, tend to the hungry, care for the sick and injured, seek out and bring back the lost.

Edited from the archives