Our Good Shepherd

Today's Verse:

And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. ~Ezekiel 34:23

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One of the most comforting portraits we have of the Lord Jesus is that of a shepherd. He is referred to as the Chief Bishop and Shepherd of our souls. He is the Great Shepherd of the sheep. He is the Good Shepherd Who gave His life for the sheep. In Ezekiel 34, God gives a strong rebuke to the erring shepherds of Israel. These shepherds used the sheep for their own personal advantage. The sheep were neglected, ignored, hurt, scattered, and left to predators. We have a comforting promise concerning the one Shepherd Who would never fail His sheep: the Lord Jesus!

We see the goodness of the Shepherd.

A good shepherd is one whose life revolves around his sheep. He rises up early every day to lead them to green pastures to feed. He never sets them loose to wander off on their own. He is the one who takes them to the pasture. After sheep have eaten sufficiently, he makes them to lie down and rest. Then, he takes them to a safe and secure water source where they can drink. Throughout the day, he keeps a vigilant eye over them. He maintains constant oversight to prevent a wayward sheep from wandering off. He sees the one sheep that is in danger and ventures out to rescue that sheep. This shepherd is a good shepherd. He is willing to lay down his life for the sheep. In his mind, he will die for them. In his heart, he pledges to bring the sheep safely back to the fold.

We see the guidance of the Shepherd.

The shepherd gives them guidance. He is constantly leading the sheep to where they need to go. He is their seeing eye. He sets the path that they are to walk in. He leads them in and leads them out. He never lets them get too far out of his sight. He is vigilant for predators. He sees the sheep that is cast down or turned on his side. He sees near, but he is always looking afar. He inspects the sheep every day when they return. He checks their wool, nose, eyes, and ears carefully for insects and parasites. He holds in his hand his rod and staff which he uses to lead and correct them. He knows that he must always be about leading them. His leadership gives them security and safety.

We see the guardianship of the Shepherd.

He protects them day and night. At night, he leads the sheep back safely to the fold. He keeps them where it is difficult for a predator to enter into. He makes his body the doorway into the fold. An enemy or thief has to get past this good shepherd before they can harm any sheep. When night comes, he stays awake and watches over the flock. He knows night time is when they are most vulnerable to attack. He is the perfect guardian. The sheep sleep comfortably and well because their shepherd is watching over them.

Jesus is our Good Shepherd Who watches over our spiritual lives. He feeds us, leads us, watches over us, rescues us, and cares for us. He is the Good Shepherd Who laid down his life for all of us. It was not the sheep dying for the Shepherd: it is the Shepherd Who died for the sheep! We are precious in His eyes. We are protected by His hand. We are provided for through His abundance. So then, as His sheep, we must not cause Him grief. We must follow Him. We must let Him carry us when we are hurting. We must let Him take us to the places of feeding, drinking and rest. Yes, Jesus is our Good Shepherd!

Thank the Lord this morning for your Good Shepherd. Be thankful that you are never out of His watchful care.

Have a shepherded God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Numbers 35-36

#Ezekiel #GoodShepherd