We Are His People; He Is Our Godಮಾದರಿ

Read Ezekiel 34:11-16

God is not only your savior; he is your keeper.

One of my favorite art pieces in my home is a line drawing of a shepherd chasing after a sheep that has been separated from its flock. Many beloved images of Jesus are renderings of the biblical word picture, which describes God as a shepherd and God’s people as his sheep. Perhaps one of the reasons that this image of Jesus has been brought to life so many times is that the sheep-and-shepherd relationship between humans and God ties together many aspects of the God-man relationship described in the Bible.

Just as a shepherd selflessly serves his flock, protecting, guiding, and watching over them, God’s love for his people is marked by a similar devotion. Despite our shortcomings and unworthiness, God, who is infinitely greater than us, chooses to serve us. This selfless service is a testament to his unconditional love and care for us. A good shepherd stoops to serve his flock, and our great God stoops to serve us.

As depicted in Ezekiel, sheep are vulnerable, prone to wander, and relatively weak. Similarly, humans have many weaknesses and limitations, often straying from God and truth. However, like a diligent shepherd who knows the folly of his sheep and actively pursues them in their wanderings, God relentlessly pursues us. He doesn’t wait for us to find our way back home to him (because we never would or could on our own!); he actively comes after us, calling out to each individual.

Our limitations and failures to be self-sufficient are not deficiencies we must seek to overcome; they are opportunities to connect with our good shepherd, who is following us in our failures, ready to lift us onto his shoulders and bring us back into his fold.

Where we are weak is where Christ’s strength is at work. Where we wander is where we are found. Where we stray and betray is where we are redeemed. Where we are in need is where we are provided for.

God lifted you from the dust to lift up his name, but this was not a one-and-done ordeal. Every time you fall back down in the dust on your face, God is there to pursue you and lift you up. God is your good shepherd who not only saved you but keeps you.

Reflect

• How does Jesus sustain and direct you, daily?
• Why do you think God gives us multiple word pictures to describe his relationship with us? Which one resonates with you the most in this season?