Ezekiel 34:11-16
11 The Lord God proclaims: I myself will search
for my flock and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out the flock when some in the flock
have been scattered, so will I seek out my flock. I will rescue them from all
the places where they were scattered during the time of clouds and thick
darkness. 13 I will gather and lead them out from the countries and
peoples, and I will bring them to their own fertile land. I will feed them on
Israel’s highlands, along the riverbeds, and in all the inhabited places. 14 I will
feed them in good pasture, and their sheepfold will be there, on Israel’s lofty
highlands. On Israel’s highlands, they will lie down in a secure fold and feed
on green pastures. 15 I myself will feed my flock and make them lie down. This is
what the Lord God says. 16 I will
seek out the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the wounded, and strengthen
the weak. But the fat and the strong I will destroy, because I will tend my
sheep with justice. [1]
Reflection:
My brother recently lost his dog. In the midst of loading the family into the car for a
weekend event, his dog escaped. Him and his kids chased after it, but they
could not catch it. Unfortunately
they lost sight and had to resume the search later. For several days they looked for their little dog. They posted signs on the street lights
and went door to door asking their neighbors. Finally, several days later,
someone called having found their dog.
They were so happy to be reunited and the dog was happy too. Jesus told
several stories looking for his lost sheep and searching for those that wanted
and needed to be found. Jesus also
said he was the good shepherd. For him, rescuing, feeding, and caring for his
sheep were metaphors for taking care of God's children. I am always comforted to
know that when I get lost, Jesus is there to lead me back to God. I am always challenged to remember that
I too am an agent of God's love when I seek, find, help, feed, and care for the
lost sheep of Jesus.
Reflection
Questions:
Morning: What does it mean to you to know that Jesus is consumed with finding, caring for, and loving you?
Morning: What does it mean to you to know that Jesus is consumed with finding, caring for, and loving you?
Noon: What is something you lost that
consumed you when you looked for it?
Evening: How does it bring levity to your perspective when you
consider that God wants justice through our service to those who need Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that you are always calling me closer to
you, so that I too can help lead others to know you.
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