EZEKIEL 34:1-31
On the farm owned by his family, my friend assists with the sheep keeping. He explained to me that sheep are so naive that they just consume what is immediately in front of them. Even if they have consumed all of the grass, they will not stop to look for a new patch; instead, they will simply begin eating mud.
I could not help but consider how frequently the Bible compares people to sheep. We require a shepherd, of course! But not just any shepherd will do, given how foolish sheep are. Sheep require a shepherd who is concerned about them. While they were in captivity in Babylon, Ezekiel wrote to God’s people and compared them to sheep under wicked shepherds. Israel’s leaders neglected the flock instead of providing for them. They were using them for their own purposes (vs.3) and abandoning them for the wild animals to consume (vs.6).
However, there was still hope for them. God, the benevolent shepherd, vowed to deliver them from the oppressive leaders. He assured them that He would return them to their native land, offer them new homes, and provide them with rest. He would seek for the missing and treat the injured (vs.11-16). In order to protect His flock, He would battle off the wild animals.
We need guidance and affection. What a blessing to know that a good shepherd is continually guiding us!
Are we paying attention to our shepherd’s voice?
🙏 Thank You Lord for being our Good Shepherd.
