What can I do?

 

 

A word of warning from the Book of Ezekiel (Chapter 34, Verse 15) for all of those who are entrusted with leading others . . . care for them!  A sure path to chaos is when we “pasture” ourselves while the sheep are running wild!

How is that relevant to those of us who have no sheep?

Well, every one of us has sheep in our lives.  Whether you are a factory worker, a parent, or a cook, God has given you a job—but I don’t mean one that requires you to earn a paycheck.

Can you think of any role that is without some level of responsibility?  You may not have authority, but you do, indeed, have a responsibility.

Today’s scripture passage makes it quite clear that we should “strengthen the weak” and “heal the sick” and “bind up the injured.”  We are supposed to be bringing back those who have strayed, and seeking out the lost.

Here’s the great news—When we are the sheep who are scattered everywhere, wandering aimlessly, “unpastured,” the Lord will come and claim us.  In fact, he says, “I will save my sheep . . . I myself will look after and tend my sheep.”

When you move to the New Testament, what does Jesus say to Peter when Jesus asks him if he loves him?

“Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep.”

I’m thinking caring for others, leading them to God in whatever way we are called to do, is kind of a big deal.

We do not live for ourselves alone.  Ezekiel gives this warning, “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves!”

Whatever we do, we should be sure we are being good shepherds for each other. It is time to stop “pasturing” ourselves!

Who might you know that is lost, scattered under dark clouds, wandering without a shepherd, vulnerable?  Seek them out and tend to them in the loving way God tends to you.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com