“As a shepherd seeks out his flock when some of his sheep have been scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.”
Ezekiel 34:12 (RSV)
I don’t know which has more impact, the dramatic picture or the promise in this scripture, which depicts the heroic rescue of the Shepherd of our souls. Each one of us is that sheep, held securely in the arm of our shepherd, who is Jesus.
The picture shows blood flowing from the shepherd’s arms and legs, as he keeps the helpless sheep shielded with one arm, while the other arm holds back the wolves. There is a small wound on the sheep’s side, meaning the sheep was wounded, but safely snatched from the grip of wolves, just in time. We may have wounds, but we have been snatched, and can rest securely in our Shepherd’s arm.
The verse describes the shepherd who seeks out and rescues his flock, through times of thick darkness. It’s what Jesus died for, and if he died for us, he will do whatever it takes to keep us. When His sheep wander, He searches for them in places that we would never think to look.
There are various types of thick darkness that people wander into. He rescues those in the bondage of depression, or who are victims of human traffickers or living with domestic violence. He seeks and rescues those who are trapped by substance abuse, or in toxic relationships and involved in criminal affiliations. He wants to hold His sheep close, even those who never knew what it is to be genuinely loved.
Looking at this image, reminds us that Jesus is not far off, sitting on a throne, looking down and watching us fight off the wolves in our life. His love always takes action, and as He rescued us before, He will rescue us in the future.
Even when we can’t see our way through the clouds and thick darkness, our shepherd is holding us safe and securely in His arms.
It’s the nature of God to seek and gather all that is scattered and lost. Jesus explained His rescue mission, saying:
“And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:39)
Lord, thank you that we are loved and rescued, which is done by your pure example of loving in deeds, not just words. Your light is bright enough to shine through the thickest darkness, as you actively hold us close and lead us out of all danger. Amen