“You are my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord.”
Ezekiel 34:31

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.”
Psalm 23:1-3

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10:14-15

~~~~~

The Everlasting Shepherd
By Jennifer Kane

From the plains of Ur, He called a herdsman,
a man named Abram, to leave all he knew,
to walk by faith beneath the open sky,
the first steps of a journey toward promise.
The Shepherd’s voice has always been clear
to those who listen,
guiding, calling, shaping lives
through whispers on the wind.

He led Isaac to green pastures,
Jacob through the wilderness of struggle,
turning wandering men into nations.
He was the Shepherd who brought Joseph
from prison to power,
turning famine into feasting
through His unseen hand.

Even when the flock rebelled,
when they wandered into thorns
of idolatry and pride,
He searched the hills for the lost.
Through Moses, the reluctant prophet,
He led His people like sheep
through a sea made dry,
through a desert alive with manna,
a cloud by day, fire by night.

In Ezekiel’s vision, He called out the false shepherds,
those who fed on the flock but left the sheep starving.
“I myself will be their shepherd,” He promised,
binding the injured, gathering the scattered,
judging between sheep and sheep,
bringing peace to the pasture.
The covenant of peace—
written in the blood of His Son—
took root and grew.

In the fullness of time,
He stepped into the dust of the earth
to call His sheep by name.
“I am the Good Shepherd,” He said,
and the sheep knew His voice.
He walked the valley of death for them,
laid down His life
to lift them from sin’s abyss,
to lead them into life eternal.

Even now, He tends His flock,
gathering all nations into one fold.
Through storms and shadows,
His rod protects,
His staff directs,
and His love endures.

And in the vision of John,
the Shepherd becomes the Lamb,
leading His people to the waters of life.
No hunger, no thirst, no tears remain,
only the joy of the eternal pasture.
He has always been our Shepherd,
from Abram’s first step to the gates of Zion.
And forever, He will be.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Ezekiel 34, Psalm 23, and John 10:1-18

The image of God as our Shepherd is woven throughout Scripture, bringing comfort, direction, and hope. In Ezekiel 34, God promises to personally shepherd His people, separating the sheep that harm others from those who follow Him. He pledges to establish peace and bless His flock with safety and provision. This foreshadows the ultimate Shepherd—Jesus Christ, who laid down His life to lead us into life eternal.

Psalm 23 beautifully portrays the Shepherd’s care: He provides rest in green pastures, guidance along right paths, and protection through life’s darkest valleys. The Shepherd is not distant but walks with us, His rod and staff offering comfort and assurance.

In John 10, Jesus identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd. He knows His sheep by name, calls them to follow Him, and willingly lays down His life for their sake. Through Him, we experience life to the fullest. Unlike a hired hand who flees from danger, Jesus’ sacrificial love secures our eternal safety.

God actively protects His flock, judging those who harm others and ensuring peace and provision (Ezekiel 34:20-22). Trust Him as the ultimate Shepherd in every circumstance.

Psalm 23 reminds us of God’s personal care. He walks with us through trials, providing rest and refreshment. How have you experienced His nearness recently?

Jesus’ sacrifice (John 10:11) reveals the depth of His love, securing our eternal safety. In response, are you listening for His voice and following where He leads? How can we respond to such faithful shepherding?

Today, reflect on how God has been your Shepherd—providing, protecting, and guiding you. Pray Psalm 23, making its promises personal, and listen for Jesus’ voice as He calls you to follow Him in faith.

~~~~~

Lord, You are my Shepherd, and I am humbled to be counted among Your flock. Thank You for Your steadfast love, for guiding me to green pastures and leading me beside still waters. When I wander, You seek me out; when I am lost, You call me by name and bring me home. I praise You for the peace and safety found in Your care.

Thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for me, so I could walk in the light of Your eternal pastures. I am grateful to belong to You, to be a sheep in Your fold, nurtured by Your Word and protected by Your hand.

Help me to trust Your guidance in every season, to follow wherever You lead, and to rest in the assurance of Your presence. May I live as a reflection of Your care, sharing the hope and love I have found in You with those around me. In the name of Jesus, my Shepherd and Savior, amen.

November 28 2024