“So will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day” (Ezekiel 34:12).
“I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel” (Ezek. 34:14).
Reading this wonderful passage in Ezekiel, it struck me how often we feel scattered in the cloudy and dark day. We let our circumstances, our worries, our needs and wants, all push us around until we feel scattered and disoriented. And yet….God seeks us out. He finds us in the dark day, huddled in some mindset of fearfulness, and He delivers us. Look where He takes us! He puts us in a fat, good pasture on the mountaintop. Just imagine the lush green grass up there. The fresh air, the bright sun, the clear view. Out of the muddle into clarity once again.
Now keep that image in your mind as we look at this: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Col. 3:1-2). Or in Philippians 4:8, “Whatsoever things are true…honest…just…pure…lovely…of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
If our Good Shepherd has translated us to a fat, good fold, then it makes no sense for us to fill our minds with the dark and cloudy day that we’ve left behind. He wants us to set our minds in the same place that we are in Christ. He wants us to meditate on the good pasture we are in.
“And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing” (Ezek. 34:26).
When we feel scattered, we must remember that we have a shepherd. He searched for us and He found us. He has provided for us. It is our duty to rest in Him, thankful that we are found in Him, grateful for the green pastures. And when your mind wanders down to “things on earth,” lift it up and meditate on the good pasture on the Lord’s mountaintop. Look for the showers of blessings that He has promised.
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Yes! I mean, this was a timely and needed message for me. It did bruise a little but in a way of spurring me on to righteousness. I appreciate having this Truth laid out so clearly and visually. Thanks
Thank you, Nancy. This is such a good word today.
Thank you! This is just what I needed to read this afternoon.
Wow! So timely for me today. Thanks for the encouragement!
Thank you for using your gift from God! He has encouraged me through it at just the right time! Now I will go and read more in Ezekiel 34! May he continue to be gracious to you and your ministry and bless the work of your hands!