Good Shepherd

Today’s Text: Ezekiel 28:20-26 (Living Life Daily Devotional)

Ezekiel 28 closes with a message of hope after a series of judgements. God first declares judgment against Sidon, another nation that had opposed His people. Yet His final words are not about destruction but about restoration. Though Israel had been scattered because of their sin, God promises that He Himself will gather them back, plant them securely in their own land, and remove the fears of their enemies. His purpose was not merely to return them to a location, but to restore their relationship with God.

I think that is the beautiful picture of God’s sovereign grace. One of my favorite parables is the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus shares about a shepherd that leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that wandered away. When he finds it, he doesn’t scold or punish it. Instead, he joyfully carries it back home on his shoulders. The sheep could never find its way back home alone but the shepherd came looking for it.

This is exactly who God is. Though Israel had wandered far from Him in rebellion and suffered the consequences, God has not abandoned His people. He promised to gather, to protect, and to be in their presence. The greatest fulfilment of this promise is found in the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. He came to seek and to save the lost.

Sometimes we may wander or drift in our faith, distracted by the world or things not of God. Yet our hope is found in the Shepherd who faithfully pursues us. He does not simply rescue us from danger but He brings us home into His presence where true security and everlasting peace are found.