Ezekiel 34:11-12 – “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search and find my sheep. I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.”
If you don’t know much about the history of Israel, you should read Joshua, Judges, and 1 and 2 Samuel. These accounts tell us about the shift the people of Israel went through — from God being their only leader and King to appointing men as earthly kings. The people wanted a leader they could see, hear, and touch. I get it. God is abstract, mysterious, and hard to pin down in the dark.
In today’s chapter we see that these “shepherds” (or kings) have only been interested in themselves. They’ve let the people of Israel suffer while they benefit from their powerful position. They’ve negotiated with pagan nations and have not stayed faithful to God. In the highlighted verses above, we see that God is prophesying about a new Shepherd who will come to care for the people.
Here’s your freedom for today:
God wants to take care of you.
If you don’t feel like you are worth much, perhaps it’s comforting to know that the Bible frequently compares you to a sheep. Sheep are not particularly smart, and they need constant supervision. God wants to lead you, guide you, and care for you. You don’t have to be smart, strong, or worthy. You’re just his little lamb that he’s watching over. What makes that hard for you to think about today? What stops you from receiving God’s care?