As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; 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 KJV
The shepherds of Israel had failed in caring for, protecting, and leading the people of Israel. The shepherds included the kings, prophets, and priests of the land. Although some had done that which was right in the eyes of the Lord, many had not. As a result of idolatry and doing was right in their own eyes, the sheep were scattered even before being driven from the land. However, the owner of the sheep now speaks to them. Having removed the wicked shepherds, He would be their shepherd. Suffering, separated, and lost due to sin, God promised to seek out His sheep, to deliver them from all the places they had been scattered, bring them back to the land, and feed them in good pastures again.
Lord, reading Ezekiel 34 reminds me of the Shepherd in Psalm 23 and John 10. Regardless of the time and place, You are the Good Shepherd that knows Your sheep, calls them by name, and leads them to good pastures. Although, as Your sheep, we may wander from time to time, I am glad to know that You will seek us out, deliver, return, and feed us.
