The Weekly Word - A Devotion for the Week of May 31
“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 I will look after my sheep.” (Ezekiel 34:11-12)
If you’ve ever had a beloved dog or cat go missing, you know the lengths you’ll go to in order to bring your pet home safely. We wouldn’t dream of sending someone else out to search for such an important member of the family. We post “missing” flyers to neighborhood telephone poles. We search the streets high and low, crouching to look beneath shrubs and into window wells, peering into dark alleys and backyards. We might even promise a generous reward for the person who can bring Fido or Fluffy home.
In much the same way, God searches relentlessly for each and every one of us when we wander from His fold. Our almighty, all-powerful, ever-living God does not send an ambassador to seek us on His behalf. He does not assign an underling to this task. No, God Himself personally seeks us – He pursues us even when everyone else has given up on us, even when we are perceived by everyone else – including ourselves – as a lost cause.
We human beings are 7.9 billion strong across the globe, and God loves each of us in equal measure – wholly, personally and unconditionally. He will not rest until every last one of His sheep is brought safely home. Like the father who welcomes his wayward son home with a loving embrace, no questions asked, our Father rejoices when we are finally found.
Gracious God, thank You for loving each and every one of Your precious children. Thank You for personally protecting and looking after me, for relentlessly seeking me when my heart wanders from You. Amen.