Reflection on Ezekiel 34:11-24
Scripture
“I will look for my sheep and take care of them myself.” (v.11)
Observation
God longs to take care of his people in the same loving way a shepherd tends his sheep.
This passage speaks of God watching over us tenderly, finding out our strengths and weaknesses, finding out who are the dominant ones and who are being mistreated.
God will intervene and ensure that nobody is mistreated. In this sense, judgement is a positive process, which challenges the strong usurping people and prevents their reign of terror from being perpetuated.
The end result is that all who surrender to the shepherd, both weak and strong, find themselves being cared for and achieving their full potential.
Application
The challenge to God's people then and now is always the same. Will I submit to the shepherd of my soul or will I resist Him?
God's ways do not always take us the way we want to go- but they are always the ways that are good for us.
God will have His way in my life whether I co-operate with Him or not! It's easiest to surrender to Him and let Him have His way in me. Not only is it easiest but it's better for me.
Often I think people are like birds being rescued. God reaches down to pluck us from a place of danger, but we squawk, peck and flap our wings! How much better to recognise that God only wants what is best for us and to allow Him to minster to us in His way.
Prayer
Father forgive me for resisting your ways for me. Forgive me for wanting to follow my own paths rather than following your paths. Be my shepherd Lord.
Oh I think of this too when I try to round up cats and chickens at night. It makes me think about my own reaction to God trying to keep me on the right track too. Kind of humbling.
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