23-May-2024 – Our king is our Shepherd

Published by Sunil Binkam on May 23, 2024May 23, 2024

I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord GOD. – Ezekiel 34:15

In this chapter, God talks about two types of shepherds. One is an irresponsible, greedy shepherd who uses the Law and rituals to scare and bind people, looking after only his own satisfaction.

The other shepherd is kind and responsible, searching for the lost sheep, healing the sick sheep, comforting the wounded sheep, and leading his sheep to the best places to feed. God often uses the analogy of sheep and shepherds, and in this chapter, He uses David as an image of a responsible shepherd.

A shepherd for sheep is like a king, and the flock is his kingdom. For the welfare of the flock, the shepherd does everything he can. If we categorize the activities of the shepherd, we can see the following primary activities:

1. Feeding: When we hear “feeding,” we might picture a simple task of leading sheep to a good pasture and letting them eat while the shepherd sits on a rock. But to feed them, a shepherd must study the land, understand the seasons, and lead the sheep to the best places. The thought of feeding the sheep is always on the shepherd’s mind. Likewise, our God, being our shepherd, always plans to provide us with opportunities to be filled and satisfied. He knows our past, present, and future, and He knows our requirements and needs. He also prepares everything for every season.
2. Leading: Leading indicates directing and being in the front to show the way. Whether it is to a feeding place or a hiding place, the shepherd faces situations first to protect his flock. Likewise, our God gave us His Word and Spirit to lead and guide us. Knowing our past, present, and future, He knows the best way for us to walk in.
3. Nurturing: Nurturing means providing care and protection as the sheep grow. The shepherd, as mentioned in the chapter, fights for them, protects them, binds their wounds, searches for the lost, and provides love and care. Likewise, our God also nurtures us by covering us under His wings from every attack, danger, and situation. He enables us to stay strong. For this, He always keeps His Word to give us strength and His Spirit to give us wisdom.

And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord GOD. – Ezekiel 34:31

So, we are the flock of God, and our pasture is the kingdom of God. Our King feeds us, leads us, and nurtures us. As we saw how a shepherd cares for his flock, our God also executes His infinitely wise plans to keep us satisfied, accomplished, and protected.

Let us thank our good Shepherd and King of our lives today.

Prayer

Dear loving Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for reminding me today about Your nature as a shepherd. Thank You for being the good Shepherd in my life. Thank You for feeding me, leading me, and protecting me. Help me to stay under Your authority to enjoy a life full of satisfaction and protection. I pray in the name of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen!