Sought Out

As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. Ezekiel 34:12 (New King James Version)

If I read the 34th chapter of Ezekiel and see it only as a passage spoken to and about the nation of Israel thousands of years ago, it will have little affect upon my Christian life. It will bring me little comfort or hope. That which would put me in bondage and fear will appear indestructible and inescapable. BUT if I allow God to speak those same words to me and I own them for myself then they become promises I can claim as my way of escape and victory. I choose to do the latter!

I enjoy being the recipient of God’s seeking, feeding, nurturing, deliverance, and care. He knows me intuitively and intimately and stands ready and willing to meet every need I would bring to Him. He is a tender Shepherd full of compassion and mercy. No matter my situation, no matter my stronghold, no matter my depravity, He makes Himself completely responsible to shepherd me emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and socially. I will never find Him unavailable, disinterested, distracted, or distant. His ear is always open to my verbalized and non verbalized cries for help. As I learn to press in to Him on a daily basis, I am experiencing an aspect of the Christian life that I never knew could be experienced. That of taking my deepest needs to the only One who can meet them.

This morning I drink in His precious words to me and to any who would receive them for themselves. These are the words I embrace and find hope in with delight: Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick. They shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them. They shall dwell in safety, and none shall make them afraid. Thus shall they know that I the LORD their God am with them, and that they, are my people, saith the LORD God. (Ezekiel 34:11, 15, 16, 27, 28, 29)

He has given us His word that He will do all of this and more for us if we will but let Him. We need not fear that He has ever withdrawn His offer. His back will not be turned. His ears will not be shut. His welcome mat will not be pulled in. He has freely offered to be our Deliverer. All the glory goes to Him as He brings us to the place of accepting His invitation.

Father, thank you for your words of life and the grace that helps me receive them for myself. Amen.