Day 22—Saturday, March 14

Ezekiel 34:11-16

For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep and will sort them out. As shepherds sort out their flocks when they are among scattered sheep, so I will sort out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and bring them into their own land, and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. I will feed them with good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel shall be their pasture; there they shall lie down in good grazing land, and they shall feed on rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strays, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with justice.

This scripture was written to exiles in Babylon with the assurance that God (the Good Shepherd) would gather them and restore them to their homeland.

Sheep are somewhat passive and need care from a shepherd who loves them. Restoration is one of the characteristics of a Good Shepherd. Others are: healing of wounds, providing food and a safe shelter, giving strength to the weak and searching and rescuing lost sheep.

This passage offers hope and comfort to those who feel neglected and "scattered." God is their ultimate protector and provider. It is a rebuke to kings and leaders (the sleek and strong) who misuse their power for selfish gains. God's justice will prevail.

Father, help us to be good shepherds as we try to serve you wherever we are by showing kindness and caring to others. Amen.

 

-Nancy Ayling