The Promised Shepherd

Scripture: For this is what the Lord God says: See, I myself will search for my flock and look for them. As a shepherd looks for his sheep on the day he is among his scattered flock, so I will look for my flock. I will rescue them from all the places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and total darkness ... I will establish over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will shepherd them. He will tend them himself and will be their shepherd. Ezekiel 34:11-12,23

Observation: Ezekiel and all the exiles already in Babylon hear that Jerusalem has fallen, and it is revealed that this is the full destruction. Survivors will die and escapees will be hunted. The city and all within it are destroyed, and the Jews are now well and truly kicked out of the promised land. With this, God pronounces a special curse upon the "shepherds" of Israel, those leaders who were supposed to be caring for everyone. They used the resources of the flock to care for themselves, rather than actually taking care of the flock itself, and they are called out for this. However, just as the exile has a promise of future return, even the curse upon the shepherds also has a future promise.

The Lord himself will become the shepherd of the flock. He - the Lord God almighty, creator of heaven and earth - will come and care for sheep, finding the strays, rescuing those who are lost, saving those wandering in darkness. With this, the Lord will establish an earthly shepherd from the line of David to tend those sheep forever.

Application: I know how often Jesus called himself the good shepherd and used shepherd/sheep metaphors to define his mission or describe the behavior of people. I have been the one lost sheep who wandered away from the flock. I desire to hear my shepherds voice, to know it, and to follow him through the narrow gate into a secure life. I lay down daily under his protection.

The Lord IS my shepherd. He found me. His servant of David is established over me now, and I so wish to remain close to him, tended and guarded and cared for. The Lord promised this shepherd during the darkest moment in the history of his people, and I give glory to the Lord for fulfilling that promise, and thanks to the Lord that I am living within that promise.

Prayer: Lord, I say this again, thank you for your love and blessings, that I get to live as a sheep within your promised covering and protection. I also say this again today, may I find the humility to live as a sheep. I do not want my will, but your will. I want to hear, know, and obey your voice. I don't ask for strength to succeed in this world, but rather I ask for strength to set aside my foolishness and just obey you. Amen.