God as Shepherd

“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. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. Ezekiel 34:11-13

Shepherds have one job: take care of the sheep. It is not the most glamours job, but it is an important one. Whole communities would place the economic well being, their sheep, in the hands of 2-3 shepherds. That position attracted a rougher crowd who spent many nights outside in the open country. Shepherds were rugged folk who were caring for one of the most defenseless animals. So why does God reveal His heart as a shepherd?

God was reacting to the supposed shepherds of His people. These shepherds of Israel were preoccupied with feeding themselves and not doing the one thing God asked them to do. These men received a chilling prophecy through Ezekiel from God. The Great Shepherd stepped in to do the job of the men He placed in charge of the well being of His flock. While there is a lot to say about this, two things stand out. First, do what God holds you responsible for doing. Second, know God’s expectation. Be God’s man this week as you lean into the challenges placed in front of you. Not perfection, just perfect in motive and direction.

DO THIS TODAY: Start thinking about the spiritual well-being of those around you.