Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16
Verse 12: “I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered.”
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We begin this week with Ezekiel. The prophet lived about 600 years before Jesus was born. His ministry began as a temple priest in Jerusalem. But with the invasion and subsequent exile imposed by the Babylonians, Ezekiel experienced and lived through the disaster that he foretold earlier in his ministry. Yet even while living in exile in a foreign land, far away from the temple, Ezekiel speaks a word of hope today.
Speaking to the scattered flock of Israel, through Ezekiel God says, “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.” God doesn’t wait for Israel (or us) to come to God. The all-present and ever-loving God will go out to the scattered. God will care for them even in their exile and in their separation. God will provide as a shepherd provided for the sheep. These words of hope remind the scattered flock that God is with them even in the foreign places. Our God continues to be with us in all aspects of life – in the good and in the bad and in all places in between.
Reading on, the promise becomes even greater. God gives this greater promise: “I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered.” Not only will God be with them in their exile, but God will regather the community of faith. God will bring them home to Israel where God will tend to them in “good pastures.” Within this promise there is a word that may be some need to hear today. God will “bind up the injured and strengthen the weak.” Maybe you or someone you know is hurting or is worn down. Maybe grief or isolation has set in heavy upon the spirit. If so, remember that the good shepherd seeks you and desires to love and care for you. Step into this good news. Share it with someone in need of this good news.
Prayer: Lord God, wherever we are today, draw us closer to you. Whether in sorrow or in joy, whether in want or in plenty, may we grow closer to you today. And if we have the capacity, Lord, use us to remind others of your love and care for them. Amen.