Passage Read: Ezekiel 32-35
Meditation Verses: 34:15-16
Thought
How the flock must suffer at the hands of their worthless shepherds. If only the Lord would deliver them from their cruel shepherds by removing them long before harm is done. The Lord knows the beginning from the end. He knows which shepherds will be good and which evil. Why must He allow His flock to suffer under the hands of wicked, selfish shepherds? He could have spared Israel all their suffering if He had only changed their shepherds. Instead, He promises to regather those who have been scattered and heal those who have been wounded. He will destroy the wicked shepherds eventually. I just wish it had been before damage was done.
Application
God doesn't destroy a person without giving them opportunity to earn their judgment. The more they harm another and refuse to make it right, the more they heap up for themselves wrath and condemnation. There is mercy to the one who does wrong; they are given time to change their ways, though it cost many in the days and years before they repent or are destroyed. Somehow God's promise of healing and His ability to heal are so much greater than the suffering that men can inflict, that He is willing for His people to suffer horrific things without fear of their rejection of Him or concern that their wounds cannot be healed. That is powerful hope. If I am the evil shepherd, at least I know those who belong to the Lord will not be lost to the Lord or scarred beyond healing. If I am one of His sheep, I will not be lost to Him, no matter how badly I must suffer, and my wounds will one day be healed.