Devotional Thoughts Based on the Glory to God Hymnal

Ezekiel 34:11-13

For thus says the Lord God, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As the shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. 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 water courses, and in the inhabited parts of the land.

On my last visit to Great Britain, I had the good fortune to see the Lake District. As I meandered through the streets of Windermere, I came upon an inviting art gallery. I was immediately captivated by a large painting entitled, “Sunshine and Showers at Windermere” with a signature I could not decipher. It was a lovely pastoral scene featuring sheep grazing in a meadow with farmhouses and barns in the distance. A beautiful rainbow reached heavenward as the shower dissipated and the sunlight reappeared. These sheep were well-behaved, unlike others I have known. No doubt there was a shepherd somewhere within earshot and eyesight. Fortunately, there were smaller prints of the painting available for purchase.

Our scripture for today speaks of the Lord God as shepherd. Much like Psalm 23, the shepherd seeks the sheep that have become scattered. He gathers them in, he feeds them, he leads them to water, and he brings them into their own land. The shepherd rescues, cares for and provides for his sheep as God cares for His people.

Ezekiel 34:11-13 allude to verses 2 and 3 of the King of Love, My Shepherd Is. The English words and the Irish tune are matched well.

Where streams of living water flow, my ransomed soul he leadeth and where the verdant pastures grow, with food celestial feedeth. perverse and foolish oft I strayed but yet in love he sought me and, on his shoulder, gently laid, and home rejoicing brought me.

Prayer

Loving God, all we like sheep have gone astray. We are glad and thankful that you do not leave us in that condition. You seek us, rescue us, care for us, and provide for us. Thank you for tenderly shepherding us throughout our life. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.