THE SHEPHERD WHO SEEKS
“‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. … I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.’”
Ezekiel 34:11–12a, 16 (NIV)
I love how God reveals Himself as a Shepherd who seeks His sheep. There have been times in my life when I felt lost and didn’t know how to find my way back. Yet God came looking for me. He didn’t wait for me to figure it out. He came to rescue, heal and restore me.
When I look back, I can see moments when God used others to show that same shepherding love. I’ve seen friends pray for years for someone who drifted from faith, and others quietly serve those who were hurting and unseen. That’s what the heart of the Shepherd looks like in us.
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11). He laid down His life for the sheep. He did not just save us. He sought us. That truth changes how I see others. When I notice someone who is struggling, I want my first reaction to be compassion, not frustration. The same mercy that found me can flow through me.
People who are hurting are not problems to fix. They are deeply known and loved by God. He already knows their names and is already looking for them. We simply get to join Him in the search. Every act of kindness, prayer and moment of listening can be part of God’s work of bringing someone home.
Let us remember that the Shepherd who sought us now lives within us. We can be His hands and feet to those who still feel lost.
APPLICATION: Ask God to give you the heart of the Shepherd. Think of one person in your life who may feel far from Him. Pray for their healing and restoration. Look for ways to show compassion through listening, serving or inviting them into relationship.
PRAYER: Lord, thank You for being the Good Shepherd who came searching for me when I was wandering. Help me reflect Your heart for others. Open my eyes to the people around me who need Your love. Give me courage to step toward them with grace, patience and compassion. Use me to bind up the hurting and point them back to You. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?