In a good pasture

In a good pasture

Scripture: I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. Ezekiel 34:14-16

Observation: In Ezekiel 34, we see a wonderful chapter where the Lord describes Himself as a shepherd and the people of Israel as His sheep. He speaks of bringing His people to good pasture, in the mountain heights of Israel. We see a picture of peace and contentment - sheep lying down before the Lord in a place of beauty and safety.

This chapter also brings to mind Psalm 23, where David says “the Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.”

In verse 23-24, God later tells Ezekiel “I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the LORD have spoken.” God’s servant David prophesied here was to come true in the person of Jesus Christ, son of David, descended through both Mary and Joseph.

And when Jesus came, He too said “I have come to seek and save the lost”. The Lord sought out the sinners, the prostitutes and tax collectors. He healed the lepers and the beggars. He reached down to the lowest parts of society and gave them dignity and hope. While the world looks down upon the pariahs of society – the drug addicts, the prostitutes, the prisoners, those having AIDs, the Lord is at work powerfully among them, forgiving the sins of many, bringing them to salvation. So many a life has been completely turned around because of our Lord Jesus Christ and His faithful servants who work among them.

Application: Remember that we are sheep and God is our Shepherd. Let us find our refuge and comfort in Jesus as our Good Shepherd. Let us listen for His voice. At the same time, also begin to look out and be concerned for the sheep who are lost and gone astray. Pray more for them, and see what practical ways we can help, guided by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that indeed You are my Good Shepherd, and You watch over me always along with Your precious flock. Let my refuge and my strength always be in You, dear Lord. Open my eyes too that I might see the lost and begin to care more and more for them. Lead me, Holy Spirit, to make a difference in the lives of many for God’s glory. Bless You, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.