Years ago, I was in a bad place. It was dark and cloudy as I pursued my own sinful pleasures. Angels were not dispatched that day, but the Lord himself sought me out. I wasn’t looking for him when he found me.

Sheep are prone to wander and become vulnerable. They have no claws to defend themselves. Sheep can drown if their wool gets too wet as they wade in to get water to drink.

We are like sheep and have gone astray, as Isaiah 53:6 says. We need a shepherd. Thank goodness God is not far away from each of us (Acts 17:27).

The shepherds in Ezekiel’s day led the people with force and cruelty. Jesus is different. He strengthens the weak and binds up the broken. He seeks out what was lost. He called my name that day and led me out of a black dungeon.

Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish” (John 10:11, 27-28).

What about your life? Are you in a bad place? Quit following strangers who don’t care about you. They run as soon as the wolf appears. Follow the Good Shepherd. “When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:4).

Thank you, Lord, for having an interest in me and searching for me when I was lost. I praise you for your goodness and for giving up your life for me so I can live with you forever. Be my shepherd and teach me to follow you. Amen.

Go Deeper — Read about typical sheep behavior. Which can you relate to the most? Which one shows you that you need the Good Shepherd leading you?



Tags: Ezekiel Ezekiel 34
Photo Credit: Jaka Škrlep