Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2183117951984132/?source_id=181918175166472

September 6th

The bible reading today is in Ezekiel chapters 32-34.

“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭34:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬

What a glorious promise. Christ’s elect go here and there in the shadows of their stubbornness and ignorance. They fall into the bog of sinning...who knows where. And God promises to find them and help them out.

There is no jungle too thick, there is no swamp too dangerous, there is no mountain too high, and there is no land too far away for Christ to find us and save us from our own bad decisions and poor judgments.

Oh friends in the faith, this promise that God gave to His people in exile is His promise to all of His chosen ones who believe Him. How powerful is the promise that our Savior keeps on saving us all the way to heaven. How sweet it is to the soul of the sheep who knows that his own wandering ways will be overcome by the faithful Christ Himself.

Now to chapter 34:13,15

“And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭34:13, 15‬

What beautiful imagery of peace. No longer alone, no longer away from the Savior. Instead peace of mind and peace of soul for those sheep who belong to the Good Shepherd. A picture of relaxation and rest from fear and worry...” because my God came after me”...a picture of divine fullness. A work of the Spirit which brings perfect contentment and sweet satisfaction to the heart of God’s kids back in the fold on the beautiful and majestic mountains of Judea. Above the quiet waters and the fruit of the vine below...all of which comes from the Lord of salvation.

Reminds me of Jesus’ promise to his disciples...“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Back to today’s reading...“I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭34:16‬ ‭

Remember the prophet, Jonah? He was a chosen one who lost his way and God went after him. In the midst of a storm with dangerous winds and waves. Jonah was thrown overboard to die in the sea, and God sent a whale to swallow him alive and carry him to shore and back into God’s service.

God promised to bring back the strayed of Judah...just like He did with Jonah.

God promised to bind up the injured and strengthen the weak. What a marvelous promise.

Did you hear it? God’s blessing came upon the injured heart and body. His blessing came upon the weak.

O friends, it is a sweet thing then to be among the injured and the weak. It’s ok to be one of the needy ones in the flock. God’s promises seem to run that way...

Have a great day