Based on Ezekiel 34
I am the Good Shepherd, Watching over my flock. I will strengthen the weak, For I will be their rock. Binding up the injured And seeing the sick healed; Searching for the lost ones, Using My staff and shield. I will be My flock’s guide And gather them around; Take them to good pasture, High mountains, and sweet ground. I will protect My sheep, Keeping them from the bad. For I will be their God And My flock will be glad. My covenant of peace Will bring blessings to all, Showers in all seasons— Winter, spring, summer, fall. They will hear and know Me, For I am Christ, the Lord, The Shepherd who rescues, Who will bless and reward. They will live in safety And will not be afraid. I’ve always been with them And heard them when they prayed. You’re My flock, My people. You are My sheep, My own. My showers of blessings Will forever be known.
Ezekiel 34 begins with a warning to the shepherds of Israel, the men who were to lead the people in the ways of God. When they fail in their duties, God promises His care and restoration of His sheep. He promises to fulfill His covenant by returning Israel from exile, protecting them from their enemies, and bringing them peace and the ultimate fulfillment of His promise of the coming Messiah, Jesus, and His future kingdom.
This message is also meant for the men who are shepherds or spiritual leaders today. They are to feed their sheep, the church, by faithfully teaching God’s Word and helping to meet their physical and spiritual needs. If they fail in their obligations, they will be held accountable and God promises to do their work. He will search for the lost sheep and bring them back to the fold and into His arms. He will feed them, restore them, comfort them, heal them and bring them peace. God promises to send the Messiah to be the good Shepherd of His sheep. He has been faithful in the past and will continue today and forever. He will set everything right.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ”
Ephesians 1:3
