Ezekiel 34:15-16 NIV 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.
THOUGHT God brought his people out of slavery so they would be a kingdom of priests. Like ancient Israel, that’s our calling too. Forget just being a parishioner — you are a priest, aka shepherd. So, who do you shepherd? Who is trusting you for care? A husband or wife? Children? Spiritual children? Friends, employees or co-workers? Strays or run-aways?
Shepherding is no occupation to get wealthy or drunk on power over. It’s the steady, hard, loving work of feeding, healing, strengthening, protecting, and laying down your life for another. There must be grace; there must be justice says the Great Shepherd.
PRAYER Renew us in our shepherding today, God. Far from despising those you’ve put within our pasture, help us sense the privilege of following in your footsteps.
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