Sheep and the Shepherd

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Ezekiel 34:11-31 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

‘I will save my flock, and they shall no longer be ravaged; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.’ Ezekiel 3:22

Anyone who has been around church for a while may be quite familiar with being described as a sheep with God as our Shepherd (e.g. Psalm 23). However, in today’s reading we find one of the essential characteristics that makes the sheep/Shepherd metaphor so appropriate – the vulnerability of God’s people. In Ezekiel’s day, Judah’s negligent and self-interested leaders (shepherds) had inflicted great harm upon God’s flock, eventually leaving them scattered abroad in the horrors of exile (vv. 1-6). Ezekiel tells us that God’s passionate concern for His people compelled Him to take on the role of Shepherd by searching out His sheep and bringing them to a place of safety and wholeness (v.11,16,25-31; cf. Luke 15:1-7).

There is, I suppose, a certain incoherence in God’s insistence that He Himself will shepherd His flock (vv. 11-16) while at the same time sending his servant David to do the job (v. 23-24). This puzzle is, of course, resolved when Jesus, the Davidic Messiah and divine Son of God, came as Shepherd (Heb 13:20). Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has brought his flock to a place of safety, flourishing, and abundance by shedding His blood for them (John 10:10-11). As we prepare for Holy Week, let us rejoice once again in our salvation and security found in the Good Shepherd.

However, in this Lenten season of repentance, let us also note that God’s rescue entails judgement. To keep His flock safe, God removes negligent and oppressive ‘shepherds’ (v.10) and ravenous wild animals (vv.25,28) – even those in sheep’s clothing (Matt 7:15). But God’s sheep are also in danger from one another it seems. In their haste to satisfy their own needs, the sleek and strong of the flock ignorantly crowd out the weak and trample over their needs (vv.16-22). Where have we carelessly put our wants before others’ needs and in doing so caused harm? Let us re-commit to take much greater care of one another – especially our most vulnerable members – recognising the Flock of God are those bought with his own blood (Acts 20:28).

Let us pray: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, forgive us for the ways we have harmed other sheep. Please lead us in justice to be a more caring, considerate, and safe flock under your care. Amen.

The Revd Andy Meeson, Vicar, St John’s, Leyland.