“As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among the scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day.” “I will feed My flock, and I will cause them to lie down” says the Lord God. I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick.” Ezekiel 34:12, 15-16a
Trouble and persecution are not new to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8. Many of our fellow believers, brothers and sisters in Christ have felt the weight of this for many years and now the American Church is feeling the attack and the pressure of the persecution and spiritual battle in a way we have never felt before. I think one could prove that there has been a well-designed and executed plan to keep the gospel from being preached. God was removed from schools (1962), politics (separation of church and state distorted), removal of the 10 Commandments from courthouses (2004), Mayor from Houston demanding copies of pastor’s sermons (2014)(Wonder if this caused Hurricane Katrina), censoring of free speech in the news and on social media, Covid lockdowns that deemed churches non-essential and shut their doors but allowed big box stores and liquor stores to remain open, and the imprisonment of pastors that did not comply with the unconstitutional demands of the government. We have proof that Covid was manmade in a lab in Wuhan and the lab was funded by the head of the CDC, Dr. Fauci, has direct ties to the lab. and many have lost loved ones due to the suppression of remedies that brought healing to those with Covid. Many people have long-haul Covid symptoms from the virus while even more are suffering from the after effects of the “vaccines” that were forced on people by fear and the threat to keep their jobs. Our children are behind in their education because of the school closures. The booming economy we were enjoying under President Trump has taken a rapid decline and statistics say people are cashing in their retirement to pay for everyday living expenses. The political unrest around the world and the United States Government is funding both sides of the wars. Sounds like we have been under attack of the enemy, hard pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. The enemy wants us to believe that he has us hemmed in and there is no hope for those who believe in God, the Church. Remember Satan is the father of all lies and anything he speaks is not truth. God promised in Ezekiel 34:12 “As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among the scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day.” A good shepherd is responsible for all the needs of the sheep. A good shepherd is always with the sheep, they are responsible for the sheep’s welfare, making sure they have water to drink and are taken to fresh pastures for food, they protect the sheep from predators, and provide medicine for healing when the sheep get sick.
King David understood what it meant to be hard pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted and struck down. He spent years running from Saul after being anointed as King of Israel. During His reign he had to flee Jerusalem because his own son started a rebellion and revolted against him. In Psalm 27:13 he wrote, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living,” Psalm 23 is one of the most famous Psalms and I believe it is David’s testimony of the faithfulness of God and the character of God in the way he takes care of His people. “The Lord is My shepherd.” The is Jehovah-Raah. The Lord is the one who revels Himself and He is the shepherd who tends to His flock. He never leaves them or forsakes them when times get bad. He is always there for His sheep. One translation of Jehovah-Raah is “The Lord my friend.” “I shall not want” He is Jehovah-Jireh, my provider, He provides everything we need. “He makes me lie down n green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” He is our peace, the peace that passes all understanding, Jehovah-Shalom. “He restores my soul.” He is the God who heals all our diseases, Jehova-Rophe, the Lord my healer. “He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” We do not have to be “good” enough, He is the Lord of Righteousness, Jehovah-Tsidkeneau. “Yea though I walk thought he valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for You are with me,” Jesus promised to never leave or forsake us, He is Jehovah-Shama, The Lord who is present. “Your rod and your staff they comfort me.” The Lord is My help! He is Jehovah-Ezer. “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” He is our banner, Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord, my standard of victory. “You anoint my head with oil.” The Lord my holiness, my sanctification, Jehovah-InKaddesh. My cup runs over.” He is abundant, Jehovah-Manah,” The Lord my portion. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall swell in the house of the Lord forever. “He is our inheritance her on earth and for eternity in heaven, He is Jehovah- Cheleq. Through all the struggles and heartache David faced in life, he knew God was his Shepherd. He knew he did not have to carry all the weight of the problems he faced, instead he trusted His shepherd to meet every need he had. God promised in Ezekiel 34:15-16 “I will feed My flock, and I will cause them to lie down” says the Lord God. I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick.” God does not quit seeking for those who are lost, broken, or sick. He never slumbers nor sleeps, so we can go to Him in prayer anytime of the day or night and tell Him our problems and concerns. 2 Chronicles 16:9 “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” According to Hebrews 11:6, God is looking for those who believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. When we seek Him, we will find Him. He invites us to search for Him. Jeremiah 29:13 “And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”
Jesus identified Himself to the crowd in John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, and gave His life so we could have a restored relationship with God. Jesus said in John 15:13 “Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” Not only did Jesus allow them to crucify him, Isaiah 53:5 “He was sounded for out transgression: He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.” He came to restore our relationship with God and to bring complete restoration to everything that concerns us, forgiveness of sin, breaking of generational curses, He gave us peace and divine healing. We do not have to carry all our pain and try to solve all our problems; Jesus is our shepherd. He takes complete care of us. He demonstrated His love for us when He died on the cross. His victory was not dying on the cross, but it was in the resurrection from the dead on the third day and defeating death hell and the grave. It is our job to know His voice and to follow Him, John 10:3-5. Your Shepherd is inviting you to come and spend time with Him. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” He is waiting for you to ask Him in. “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me.” Do you hear your Shepherd’s voice? He is knocking, will you invite Him in and find the rest and nourishment your soul is needing?
Cathy Nesmith