Since 2012, She Reads Truth has maintained a singular mission: to be women in the Word of God every day. Ten years later, our community includes “Shes” from across the globe, but our mission hasn’t changed.
Reading Scripture together is the centerpiece of what we do at She Reads Truth. As we spend time as a community reading This Is The Church, we encourage you to start by reading the daily Scripture on your own. Then join us here to engage and encourage one another as we respond to what we’ve read. Each day for this series, we’ll include a brief summary of the reading along with a prompt for conversation.
Jesus’s love for the Church is expressed through the imagery of a perfect shepherd and his flock. Unlike the negligent shepherds who previously led God’s people, Jesus delights to search for, gather, and tend to His flock, even laying down His life for His sheep.
Discussion Question: How does the image of Jesus as the perfect shepherd caring for His flock, the Church, shape your understanding of the Church?
Take time to reflect on your Scripture reading and today’s question. Share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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123 thoughts on "The Shepherd’s Flock"
The first reading from Ezekiel really spoke to me about how we shouldn’t just be consumers of God, we should be shepherds caring for a flock that is lost and doesn’t know him! It’s all about being intentional with our actions and our meetings!
For me after reading this it makes me want to be more intentional on paying attention to how my church leaders lead and live. Are they leading like the hired hand or are they trying to be like Christ and be a good shepherd. I also have been in the faith for a few years and need to hold myself accountable on my attitude and how I carry myself when I’m volunteering or representing Christ and His Church. Am I doing it to be like Christ or am I begrudgingly doing the task.
This reading reminds me that we can still encourage one another and keep each other accountable within the ‘flock’/church to follow God the best we can. It also reminds me of the grace we must extend to one another even within the church, just as Jesus is doing with every one of us. We cannot shame or get angry towards someone sin, but encourage their path towards Christ.
He’s a good good father!
This has reminded me that our Father is the good shepherd, and knows what we need. We are all one flock, even though we, as sheep, come from all over. We have one shepherd. We are united in Christ, just as Jesus and the Farher
I find great comfort in Jesus being my good shepherd. Reading the scripture, I am reminded of my role within the flock because the sheep will also be held accountable. The body of Christ must care for each other in the midst of our brokenness
This reminds me that the basis for the church is serving and servant hearted laying down of one’s self.
I am so thankful the Shepherd is so patient with me! And as I read through some comments, it helps me rest easy as well. ❤️
It reminds me that we are all one in Christ, and that he has called me to love the other members of the church – to lay down my life for them.
Why do I keep thinking I can feed and protect myself better than My Shepherd?!
He pursues and rescued us from danger. The Church goes through difficult circumstances and knowing that God is actively seeking to save the Church is a comforting thought.
I feel its the perfect example of we’re all a little lost, broken, and in need of tending. And God is always there to find us, heal us, and bring us back together through Jesus.
In Christ we are well cared for and safe. With all the voices competing for our attention it is comforting we can know Jesus’s voice.
After having just lost my father, I’m even more grateful for the steadfast hand of the Shepherd. He never leaves us. Always provides for us, always does what’s best for us!
We are easily afraid, forget our Shepherd, and make dumb choices. Jesus is VERY patient, powerful, and also loving to care for us. We are truly in safety with Jesus. As a Church, we lack severely in guidance apart from Christ. We are constantly giving in to the worldly, but we also adore the Shepherd and know His voice. We follow in a path blindly at times until our Shepherd retrieved us. It’s a hot mess.
Wow! The Ezekiel passage: I am hearing that we care about ourselves and nothing else. We get one thing and then want the next thing. We are here to help the wanderers who do not know their worth yet. I pray I do not take my freedoms and privileges for granted and that I don’t forget about the least of these as God has provided so much for me (us/Christians) Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born :)
Happy 4th of July
it shows how we should love our children and how he loves us unconditionally because he would come find us when we are lost just like a lost sheep from its flock he will bring us back in
Me too!!!
The church is His flock and all are welcome. I think it’s so timely that we’re talking about the church right now with everything going on in our country. We all have differing opinions, values, and morals, but at the end of the day, we are one body, one flock, and one church.
We are in need of a shepherd, someone to lead us and guide us and keep us safe. Jesus is the only One who will show us the way as we walk together.
I feel convicted as a parent to be a better shepherd to my children.
We are so fortunate to be cared for by the Good Shepard! All of us with our strengths and weaknesses God will come and protect us. Together we will see an eternity of beauty, love and peace. Today’s readings are great reminders to remember and pray for the church of believers.
❤️❤️❤️ love this!!
Amen!! Jesus is waiting to come back for more of His children to come to Him. Praying for your family ❤️
This reading shapes my understanding of the church by showing how Jesus is the Shepard of us all. Even though we may feel like our pastors are our shepards or earthly authority figures are our shepards, the only true Shepard is Jesus Christ. Amen.
I loved reading about one flock and one shepherd. What a beautiful reminder we are one flock!! Sometimes you can get caught up in what’s going on in the world and between Christians, that you can forget we are one flock! Also, love being reminder of Jesus, our shepherd going after the lost. This is very comforting as a parent with kids that have fallen away from God and church. Praying for God to rescue them and bring them back to their faith!
We are united under Christ. Any hierarchy that we prescribe ourselves among our fellow Christians is man made. To Jesus, we are all sheep who need to be taken care of and protected. And He died for everyone of us.
Whoops, accidentally hit post….just wanted to finish saying I was struck by John 10:14-18 where Jesus so strongly states that no one could take his life – only he has the right to lay it down…AND pick it up again. Thank you, Jesus, for doing both of those things.
Absolutely loved todays readings. I’ve never considered the depths of the shepherd metaphor. And all of the things we are promised with Jesus as our shepherd – especially safety, security, the elimination of danger…. This metaphor helps me see just how fiercely and plainly Jesus loves us. I was especially impacted by Micah 2:12 stating that Jesus’ flock will be “noisy with people” and by John 10:14-18 where Jesus so strongly stated that
Hello She’s! Today’s reading reminds me that our leaders are imperfect yet our Good Shepherd is perfectly tending to us. So beautiful!
My heart swells with such love for our Shepherd when I read this today. His love for His church is fierce, unwavering and so true. Like the song says, “Your love is extravagant!” To know that He loves us this way and with such willing sacrifice and selflessness inspires and motivates me to lavish His love on others. How can we not love the people He loves SO much?!!!
It helps me to rest in knowing I am cared for, loved and protected by my Good Shepherd.
There is a song by The Grace Well that emphasizes this Shepherd and lost sheep metaphor, it is so sweet and beautiful, it’s called The Sheep. Highly recommend a listen :)
The church I used to belong to considers the elders or deacons to be shepherds. And the lead pastor is the lead shepherd. But the good shepherd is, of course, Jesus. I think this is a beautiful way of looking at the church. Jesus loves and cares for the church; he gave his life for the church. The church today is in the hands of the pastors who lead them. And the deacons and elders are Shepherds to the people that they serve within their church. This was a new concept for me when I started going to that church. But the longer I thought about it, the more I saw some of these verses in how the church was structured. I love that we are his little flock. The good shepherd not only knows me, but will seek me when I am lost, bandage me when I am wounded, and care for me when I am sick. I had a time in my life when I left my faith, and was lost. I am so thankful that God was the good shepherd who seeks the lost. I was the lost sheep, and he came for me.
One thing that spoke to me as I was reading was how Jesus will search for those flock that are lost and bring them in to be part of one flock. Just as we should invite and bring those in that are lost to become part of one church under Jesus. It’s a beautiful metaphor. ❤️
We are week and he is strong we can only be found safe in him. Without the good shepherd we’re are vulnerable and go astray
Sheep need a guide and protector. Only the Good Shepherd can provide the right guidance, since He is the only gate by which the sheep can enter the pasture. The church has to follow the Good Shepherd in order to come into the presence of the Father.
He is the only Perfect & Good Shepherd, the only One who laid His life down for His Sheep & also picked it back up again when raised from the dead, as the firstborn from the dead! Thank You Jesus! Hallelujah!
I will pray with you for your brother.
Reading about the shepherd and sheep reminds us of our weakness and vulnerability and about the love and care we receive from our Shepherd. We need Him to survive.
I would also recommend the book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Keller!
I love the verses telling about how God sees people not being a good shepherd and how he called David to be a good shepherd. And David’s psalm about God being his good shepherd came to mind. “He makes me lie down in green pastures.” Today I cried at work and I took a half day for my mental health. I felt guilt about it because I grew up being told to push through and work hard, but God teaches us the opposite. He wants us to take time to rest and care for ourselves. He is the great shepherd.
the image of Jesus as the perfect shepherd caring for His flock helps me to understand just how vulnerable and needy I am. sheep are known to be a little silly, yes, but I think there’s more to be said about their vulnerability to prey, weather, insects, etc. their needs are to be precisely met in order to thrive and need to be protected. our sweet Jesus cares SO much. He wants us near and that is a truth to find solace in. ♥️ I highly recommend A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller! such an impactful little read!
If you are so inclined I would greatly appreciate your prayers tomorrow for my brother. He is having heart bypass surgery with at least 3 bypasses. Thank you in advance.
@claire b praying for your brother!
My understanding is more than likely flawed, but for me it means that I am apart of the church – technically from the birth of my soul in flesh our Lord has included me in his plans even when I stray and need to be guided back. He is there always and forever to bring comfort and peace. He is available to us all through his Holy Spirit to guide and speak to us. – I and everyone else who believes in Him is a part of His Church guided by a loving Sheppard.
Lexi B – great story! How goes the new business adventure?
This reading expands my understanding in that sheep is chosen by its shepherd and taken care of as the shepherd sees fit. We could have a shepherd that neglects us, leaves us in dangerous areas and let’s us starve. A lot of people (including once, myself) have a shepherd like this. Being a part of Jesus’ flock, I am guaranteed care and love that is incomparable to anything else.
I love when we are referred to as His “little flock.” I’m so grateful for a Shepherd and loves me and defends me and cares for me and saves me. We live out in a rural area and some of our neighbors have sheep. Every time we drive by the sheep, I think about myself as one of the sheep and how grateful I am for my Shepherd.
This imagery of Jesus as the Good Shepard helps shape my understanding that as members of the Church we are not the hero. We have a Shepard who advocates for us and LAYS DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US… It is simply our job to obey and to be tended to. Any leading of the flock that we do in the community or the church should be in complete obedience to the Good Shephard who shepherds us all.
The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. The hired man cares not for the sheep. Ezekiel 34 is such a sharp rebuke chapter to the negligent human shepherds. And this comes from the deep love the Lord has for His sheep, us. The Lord asked Peter three times before ascending to Heavens, Peter if you love Me, guard my sheep, if you love Me, feed them (John 21:17). Many times the hired ones won’t care enough, for the lack of love, and for the fear for his own self. God says, whoever loses his life for My sake will find it again. May we understand this spiritual principle and not afraid of living a sacrificial life when it comes to guarding those God has put under our watch. The Bible/God is far from being political correct when it comes to rebuking/reprimanding. It is sharp like a two-edged sword that will cut through to expose every lurking thing in darkness/ gray area, the Word/God is the LIGHT that calls good good, evil evil, revealing what is formed in secrets, behind closed doors, in the dark chambers of deceitful human hearts. Truly this gives me goose bumps. The need of our continued repentance, our purifying through the Word daily by coming into His presence in prayers, our asking Him to point out any offensive ways we still hold on to (Psalm 139:24), our willingness to be chiseled into His image/characters are so important, lest us be the one who muddy the water. Therefore the one who thinks he is standing firm, be careful, lest he fall (1 Corinthians 10:12). God is the Righteous Judge, and will judge the shepherds and the sheep. Let the fear of the Lord keeps us in check.
@Rachel Wilcox: you are His sheep. Sometimes thousands of noises from this world, demonic thoughts, and our own voice/our flesh compete and drown out God’s voice. That’s why it seems as though you don’t hear Him. God’s voice will not contradict His Word (Bible). Quiet times help me a lot (no tv, no cell phone, I shut things down and discipline myself to tune in 20-30 mins, or more if you can spare). I will just be alone talking to the Lord about my day and asking Him to speak back (which I write down to reference Bible later). It does take time but is worth the investment. Will be praying for you.
Thank you for your story Lexi.
I am reminded and comforted by the part in Psalm 23 where it says that He (the good shepherd) prepares a table for us in the presence of our enemies. Even though there is evil and temptations large and seemingly small all around us, we are invited to commune with Him and have peace in His presence. I love how this is echoed in John 10 and the powerful promise that “no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand”.
I am so thankful for this community. Have a beautiful day!
Our SHEPERD is good. I am glad HE chose me and I can hear HIS VOICE. JESUS came to give us life. Our SHEPHERD gave HIS life so we can live and go to the THRONE ROOM OF GRACE and see GOD. Ephesians 2: 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece-handiwork. GOD has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things HE planned for us long ago. HE had plans for us from the beginning (even after we sinned against HIM, HE chose to rescue us). as a Lamb led through the slaughter (on Calvary we were rescued, chosen and appointed)
I love my Jesus.
He is our good shepherd!
@GWINETH52, I just love your heart of confession – it speaks of vulnerability and awareness that is such a beautiful first step. Thank you for leading in that way! While I don’t struggle with a material idol, laziness and gluttony can be nearer than I care to admit. To be productive and delight in the “never ending” work the LORD gives me should be, and IS, a source of unfound joy that I let the Enemy deceive me into believing I “deserve a break” or “I need to take care of ME first” when I know full well I need to do all I can to the best of my ability and let the joy of the LORD be my strength! You blessed me with your example, Sweet Sister!
That God is are shepherd and will take care of his people. God will guide and protect us.
Hello Shes! Karen L. raised a question that will stick with me all day. “What shepherd am I allowing to guide me forward?” I need to own up to where my attention too often flys & fess up to what in fact are false idols. Karen posed Instagram among, you name yours! I stand accused of minor, though easily major, shopping. Believing in ONE more pair of jeans for the perfect fit. Consumed about my next meal, whether vegetarian lasagna or whole wheat wraps layered with hummus. Binging on Netflix, say “Big Enough”, the Japanese reality show. Or having my nose stuck in books, instead of spending time out & about in God’s “fruitful fields & forests”. But our Lord is patient & persistent in His pursuit. He knows too well my scattered attention & I trust, incredulously, He never tires of bringing me back, from these useless, unsatisfying distractions. That will never deliver what I truly need. And that’s where the Church, my church, comes in. To gather & be grateful for a God who doesn’t let me go. Confess, and keep coming back to the altar. Finding people who are wiser & can reflect a more mature, non-material faith. Help me, my Father, to keep returning to the One who waits for me to abandon obsession with “stuff”, that never brings Life. To the One does it all & gives His all, far more than I imagine or deserve. Thanks be a God who can save me from myself!
We are all under His perfect care. He loves and cares for us all unconditionally, and we should love the flock the same way. What a Good Shepherd we have!
Luke 12:31-32 brings me so much peace. 31 “But seek his kingdom,v and these things will be provided for you.w 32 Don’t be afraid little flock, because your Father delights to give you the kingdom.
I have a fun story of a good Shepard (my neighbor) and a very inexperienced one (myself). A few years ago, I was house sitting for friends who had a farm. They were gone for a week, but did not leave a lot of feed because they thought there was enough grass in the pasture. Well, there was not. As I was getting ready for bed and washing dishes in the sink, I looked outside and saw several pairs of glowing eyes staring at me. I flipped on the porch light; the sheep had broken out of the pasture and into my friends very manicured yard and they were feasting! I panicked and started trying to chase them back into the pasture, in pitch blackness.They just ran from me. I did this for about 10 minutes when I decided to call for help. My best friend happened to live next door, and she sent her husband over. He had food,light, confidence and a calm voice. Within minutes, the sheep were following him and he got them all securely behind the gate.
I learned a lot about sheep and what they respond to while I watched my friends home. When they broke out again, (and this happened several times) I knew what to do.
A strong shepard is everything and I am so glad that we are led by Jesus, our good shepherd.
“Truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep” Jesus is the gate leading to life!
So much goodness packed in scripture….”I am the Good Shepherd. (Jesus) The good shepherd lays down his life (atoning sacrifice of Jesus was going to provide the way for sinners to be saved and reconciled with God) for the sheep. (the people) -John 10:11. But I have other sheep that are not from this sheep pen; I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice”. ( Jews and Gentiles will be joined through their personal beliefs in Jesus. They will be united into one body of believers which is a difficult concept for many in the early church)
I was struck by the same verse as well. “Minister to each other with gentle encouragement.” May it be so.
I’m so grateful to be a sheep with a shepherd with all the power, who loves me and wants to keep me safe. I have not always felt safe among Christians or at church, sadly. It’s so easy to bend and twist religion to fit into the box we’ve made. It’s refreshing to get back to simply reading what Jesus said about his love and the church. Thank you for sharing this!
It’s been so long since I’ve heard his voice- I wonder if it’s because I still believe I’m not worthy to and when I do think I hear it and it’s kind words I don’t believe it.
Growing up, we attended the Church of the Good Shepherd. It was the quintessential steepled white church with lovely stained glass windows. The largest window depicted Jesus as the Good Shepherd–a shepherd’s hook in his hand with a sheep resting at his feet. At night, the window was lit from inside–shining Jesus out to those who passed by on the “busiest” small town intersection. So, in my heart and mind, Jesus has always been the Good Shepherd and his followers the flock.
We are the children of God himself, created in His very image! BUT, he uses the simple sheep to show us how simple it is to be His. The sheep, such a simple minded, trusting creature, would fall to ruin without the care of its shepherd, nothing it could decide would secure its future. Predators? It can’t see them coming while it is grazing. Poisoned food? It couldn’t discern. A lost flock member? It couldn’t locate alone.
Humans make things SO complicate, so “muddy.” I love being reminded by studies like this that our arrogant intellect wants to elevate us above the simple-minded creatures (and we surely are with our inherent image bearing), but God, in His infinite grace, reminds us time and time again just how simple and free His love, His protection, His future Hope is. It’s impossible to keep ourselves safe, sustained, secure.
God, thank you, *again*, that your love for your sheep knows not limit. No place you won’t come to find us, no injury or illness to great for your tender healing hand, and no end to your bountiful green pastures, and still deep water to nourish our souls. I feel SO loved, SO secure in simply resting under your care today. It’s a peace that surpasses all understanding as outside your fold is so volatile, dark, and hopeless as we see around us near and far. Your goodness is awe-inspiring, and just like a simple sheep, there is nothing I can give you but my trust, my life, my futile attempt to care for myself. I am so grateful to be found and cared for by You, the least and most simple of sheep.
I am loving the Scripture in this study. Today brought a great reminder of all Jesus is as our good shepherd. We each need Him and He delights to care for us. On earth, we will face disappointment with people who shepherd us, as they are human. But we can continue to go to the One who will always be a Good and Perfect Shepherd. As a lay leader in our church, I am reminded of the importance of pointing people to Christ, through my ministry.
Knowing that we are one flock and God is with us, knows us, and cares for us is so comforting. Something else that stood out, that a few people have pointed out, is us tending & shepherding to others too.
Can anything be more reassuring than to read that He knows His sheep?
Another amazing morning in God’s Word! Several verses stuck out to me today. The picture Luke 12:32 paints with the words ‘little flock’ makes me smile and think of a daddy encouraging his little children. That is exactly the case here, our Daddy talking His little children! ❤️ ❤️ I have so many notes from Ezekiel 34. It is such an encouraging passage, with God coming in to rescue His people from those doing them wrong. V. 16 is a goosebumps giving verse! ‘I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bandage the injured, and strengthen the weak, but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will shepherd them with justice.’ A God who is so loving, compassionate, and patient with His people, but at the same time full of righteous anger at the leaders who wronged them! V. 25 talks about the covenant of peace God will make with His people. In my research of these verses, a commentary says, ‘the covenant of peace is so much more than the absence of hostility and tension. It speaks of wholeness, harmony, fulfillment, humans at peace with their environment and with God.’ Thank You, God!! So much great insight today! Have a great day, ladies!
@LANIE and @MARIANNE REUTER, I’m with you on that Ezekiel verse about judging between sheep and muddying the waters for others. Lord, help me NOT be that sort of sheep! Keep me from butting others out of the way and show me how to follow humbly.
Jesus is the perfect Shepherd! HE truly cares. If we go astray, HE comes after us and we are reunited with HIM along with the other sheep ( The Church). We were meant to walk this life alone. We need “others“ brothers and sisters to help us along the way.
My question every day is where would I be with out my Good Shepherd! Giving thanks to be one of His flock. Thankful that when I wander I am brought back. Enjoyed all the comments.
“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.’”
Amazing! God just keeps on giving! Seek His kingdom, and He will give you His kingdom!
I love that He calls us His “little flock!” It is very tender and gentle! It makes me feel so loved by Him…that all the brothers and sisters in Christ are held together gently and tenderly by Christ!
Well said @ Ashley Ann
The following verse in Ezekiel caught my attention. 4 “The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.” – Ezekiel 34:4. While I know this was directed at Shepherds (leadership) I feel this can apply to the flock as well. Within the church body, our love for each other should prompt us to be watchful for those who are wounded, weak, sick, wandering off or lost and minister to each other with gentle encouragement.
I’ve been writing the question in my Notes and then responding there and on here. The book does have a reflection every Friday with questions we may not have the answer to.
Jesus is the Shepherd of the Church. We must listen to Him, hear His voice, and follow where He wants us to go. He knows best for His sheep and takes care of us no matter what may come our way. He leads and guides us.
Thank You, Jesus for laying down Your life for us, for me.
All glory and honor belong to You alone.
Amen.
The church can not function alone.
The church needs a community in order to function.
I love this image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. I am to follow His voice. He will show me the way. It too reminds me of Psalm 23 which brings me comfort when I am afraid. Thank you for this study and for everyone’s comments.
The church can not function alone.
A personal example of how Jesus caring for His flock was when my older son died, many of the youth he and my younger son knew from the church were at the house and so were several of the parents. They also held a prayer vigil for him at the church that night that they were looking for him and more than 80 people (young and old) attended, I was told.
The church should reflect Christ in His kindness and loving. The church I am helping at right now for VBS is much like that. I’m not a member but they have welcomed me with opened arms.
Sisters, be blessed and remember you do make a difference.
Oh, how easily, sometimes, we scatter. It is important to keep it eyes on the shepherd.
Oh, how easily, sometimes, we scatter.
The passages today remind me how much I love the 23rd psalm… the Lord is MY shepherd! He’s OUR shepherd! Help us to listen to his voice and follow where He leads that we may go out into the world and share His love.
Jesus, our good shepherd, is our ultimate provider. he gives us everything we NEED. as a church, we must be faithful sheep and follow our shepherds ways. if we don’t, we become lost and food to those who are evil and seek us out. but, being a good shepherd, Jesus goes after those who are lost, even those who are “not from this sheep pen” so that there is one flock and one shepherd (john 10:16). one bride, one groom. one church, one God.
Oh I’ll have to look that up!! That’s awesome
Thank you God for being the good shepherd.
I love all the comments this morning! 3 takeaways from the passages and comments today:
1. No one can snatch me from His hand! He leaves the 99 to search for the 1 (me!)
2. How Jesus acts in sacrificial love toward His people is how I should act toward others
3. Be mindful of who I am allowing to shepherd me and who I follow – be mindful to always keep God and His Word #1 in my life.
I hope everyone has a blessed day <3
The ancient Mesopatamian world economy depended on sheep for food, wool, and hide. The sheep were important for sustaining life. Caring for them affected the lives of people every day. Just as one lost person can affect the lives of many others. Our Father saw that only He could shepherd us perfectly. When we enter life through His beautiful gate (Jesus!) we have all that we need to live and love and help one another stay together. We are important to God. He loves us, and with His leadership and protection, we can make a great impact on the communities where we live. We are important for sustaining life, bringing joy and truth, light to darkness. Our Shepherd sustains His flock. He leads us to the greenest pastures, keeps us safe through rocky rough places, and brings us to places of rest. The Church is full of people who hear and know the voice of God, our Shepherd, and as we collectively listen and follow Him, the flock is a powerful force for life. Together we cover more ground than if we were alone. Selah. Maranatha. Amen.
I’m grateful that God calls me His. I always find comfort in theses verses and needed this today.
There seems to be two parts here – God will do anything to save and find His people and also just the example we are given in how to live. When we are shepherding others in our lives. Are we looking at everyone with clear vision and giving everyone equal opportunity or are we dismissing some for not liking them? There are so many opportunities to be like Jesus in gratitude and love and patience. When we are like this, God sees us, but also in His mercy and grace, He sees us when we are not.
I rush into decisions often out of fear and anxiety, trying to earn or muscle through to the next right thing. But God calls His Church to something much more simple, peaceful, and tender— know Him, hear Him, follow Him. May we look more like the Lord’s sheep every day, listening for His voice and acting out of security rather than fear because we cannot be snatched from our Shepherd’s pasture.
What struck me, because there has been a lot of discussion about this in my circle, is what Ezekiel 34:9-10 says about “fake” shepherds.
Love it! Praise God for His goodness. He is our Heavenly Father, the one who saves us, leads us, forgives us and loves us. Life isn’t the same without Him. He is SO GOOD!
Our Good Shepherd loves and cares for us and we as His sheep are to love and care for each other as well.
This reading makes me so grateful that God includes me, a Gentile, as part of his flock when I know when reading the passage in Ezekiel that He’s hurting and defending His Israelites for the hardships they’ve faced and will face. I’m so grateful that God includes me in His family, in this new kingdom, that He even cares to know my name and my story, when I seem to have been privileged into a life of basic ease in the western world (in comparison to those suffering for their nationality or in war ridden areas). Praise God for his kindness and goodness!
These verses comfort me, warm me, assure me, and remind me. NO ONE can snatch me from his hand. He guards us, loves us, sacrificed for us, his flock. I love this imagery so much.
The Church is loved and cared for by God. We need God to protect us lead us to food and clean water. Also, as God is our shepherd we are all in the same pasture.
The part that stands out to me is: Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?
Ezekiel 34:18 NIV
Aren’t we always “muddying the waters” I feel that in my soul as I try to search and search to find signs and specifics in the scripture. It brings me back to childhood when Psalm 23 was my safe verse when I was scared. Hes saying you don’t have to be smart enough or strong enough or brave enough because I am enough for you. Just follow my lead.
Don’t be afraid little flock! Your Father delights to give you the kingdom! He delights to give you himself!
This image shapes the church in such a way that every single part (like our reading yesterday) matters. In this context, all those within the flock of Christ are one unit, so when part of our unit goes missing, we cannot continue until it returns. We are only able to exist as one unity because of Christ, who laid down His life for us.
That we are to be like Jesus when interacting with his flock. We aren’t to shoulder them away from us, or limit them from the goodness of knowing Him more richly. Instead, we walk in love and in humility and welcome all believers.
This imagery of Christ as the Shepherd reminds us and continually shows us how our Lord will seek us out, bring us back to Him, and guide us in Him. He will tend us like lost little sheep always. The world just distracts us more often then I care to admit but he will redirect us back to Him. We just have to follow.
It strikes me how we as humans think we are so powerful yet we are sheep and need our Shepherd!
Praise God that He shepherds perfectly and never leaves us astray! He is the great Shepherd, Redeemer, Restorer, Creator and Father! The book only gives the brief summary. It doesn’t include a discussion question. The app doesn’t give either. Natalie, you are saying that the website shows both the summary and question? That is odd.
It’s impossible to follow the Shepherd if we don’t know His voice. It’s imperative to sit under those who faithfully and accurately teach/preach the Word. The Church is to disciple those who require milk so that they eventually crave meat. The more we know His Word, the more we recognize His voice. We become sheep who are not easily deceived. We become sheep who rarely wander off. We become sheep who follow the Shepherd closely because we know Him intimately. We are His flock and no other’s.
The book only gives the brief summary. It doesn’t include a discussion question. The app doesn’t give either. Natalie, you are saying that the website shows both the summary and question? That is odd.
Thank you for sharing this today.
Jesus is my shepherd and He walks with me guiding my way and actions. The church is a place where we can share community, growth and understanding of Jesus. It should be our shepherd.
We need to be totally and completely dependant upon the Shepard. In everything we do. But here is the other thing I was reminded of today – HE is the one who leads us to green pastures and HE is the one who saves us – no one else and nothing else. The scripture compilation today is FULL of amazing promises and statements ‘I Will…’ and ‘I Am…’
Jesus’s love for the Church is expressed through the imagery of a perfect shepherd and his flock. Unlike the negligent shepherds who previously led God’s people, Jesus delights to search for, gather, and tend to His flock, even laying down His life for His sheep.
Discussion Question: How does the image of Jesus as the perfect shepherd caring for His flock, the Church, shape your understanding of the Church?
Take time to reflect on your Scripture reading and today’s question. Share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
The reading in the app does include the summary and discussion question. Here it is from the reading on the SRT’s website:
Jesus’s love for the Church is expressed through the imagery of a perfect shepherd and his flock. Unlike the negligent shepherds who previously led God’s people, Jesus delights to search for, gather, and tend to His flock, even laying down His life for His sheep.
Discussion Question: How does the image of Jesus as the perfect shepherd caring for His flock, the Church, shape your understanding of the Church?
Take time to reflect on your Scripture reading and today’s question. Share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
The reading in the app does include the summary and discussion question. Here it is from the reading on the SRT’s website:
❤️
I am seeing where I did not see the Lord rightly but instead rushed off to do something. Yes I am a sheep who needs a shepherd.
From what I have read, sheep are pretty clueless. They are followers, afraid of new places and people so stay in a group for protection. They are vulnerable and do not have a good sense of direction. They learn their shepherd’s voice and trust it. They need a shepherd who is truly invested in their well-being, or else a few or even all of them could be exposed to danger or lost. We, too, are followers. Of what? Well, I need to take an honest look at my life and ask myself what shepherd(s) am I allowing to guide me forward? Is it someone on Insta? Is it a friend, a colleague, an idea, a concept, a pastor? All of the above? Or is it it the True Shepherd? I find the analogy of the Good Shepherd so tender. God sent the best, the only true shepherd to guide us in our lives above all the other things that grapple for our following. May I follow Him and may His rod and His staff guide me to green pastures, still waters and a restored soul. Amen
Yes, MARIANNE REUTER, so true to be mindful of what is in our wake.
What strikes me today was that the Shepherd is experiencing life WITH the sheep. He is not in some distant place directing them by a remote controlled drone that has a camera. He is among them as He leads them through high and low places, through bad weather and good, in times of rest and of moving, in danger and in peace.
Jesus is with His people and will never leave or forsake them (us).
Thank you, Lord, for being my shepherd. I seek your kingdom!
Jesus being the Shepher of the Church means we are the sheep. We are vulnerable and surrounded by dangers. We need someone to lead and protect us. Thank God that we have a good Shepherd. Our God is greater than all and He delights to give us the kingdom. No one can snatch us out of His hand. He will give us eternal life and none of His sheep will perish.
… and muddied water“ …
Ups – „and muddied waters“ I wanted to add …
I found it interesting to read in Ezekiel that God also judges between sheep and sheep. I ask myself where I failed to present God‘s word in a way that others were left with „trampled grass