December 3 | Ezekiel 34:23-31, John 10:11

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DAILY READING

Ezekiel 34:23-31, John 10:11

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REFLECTION

THE GOOD SHEPHERD

By Katie Borden

There is a verse of “Joy to the World” that we don’t often sing but that happens to have one of my favorite lines in the entirety of the hymnody:

No more let sin or sorrow grow

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make his blessings flow

Far as the curse is found.

“He comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.” What a fantastic, hopeful statement about the love and power of our God! I get an ache in my heart every time we sing it, because I am reminded that two things are simultaneously true:

First, we are still living in a world where sin and sorrow exist. We see it. We feel it. We know.

BUT! Second, the curse will not win the day. The blessings of God– the rule and reign of his kingdom of peace and righteousness– are at work and will eventually be known in full.

This is the reality of this season of Advent, and it’s why we read a passage like Ezekiel 34 during these weeks of the church year. We know, through this text and other Bible passages, that God has made a promise to his people that has already been kept in Jesus Christ, and the effects of the promise that Jesus kept will one day be felt in full. Even the earth itself will be redeemed.

God promises in Ezekiel 34 to be the “good shepherd” that the people need and have not received in their leaders of the day. If you read the beginning of the chapter, you’ll hear God’s indictment of those leaders; they have amounted to “bad shepherds” and have exploited the people for their own gain. They have been sinful, and have been bringers of sorrow to the people. God promises to be a shepherd who loves and cares for his metaphorical flock, and he promises to end the threats to their livelihood, casting a vision for a day when all will live in peace, safety, and a flourishing creation– life in the presence of God himself.

When we hear Jesus say in John 10 that he is the “Good Shepherd,” we hear an announcement that the centuries-old promise is being kept. This Good Shepherd cared for his flock by laying down his life for his sheep. It is through Jesus’ death and resurrection that the power of death was broken. As far as the curse of sin has reached, Jesus’ resurrection power and his love for his people have reached farther, redeeming and restoring those he loves to life with him.

So, in this season of Advent, we look toward eternity with a sure and certain hope. Our Good Shepherd who has promised eternal rest, peace, and life in his presence to his beloved flock has already begun making good on his promise. That is some serious joy to the world!

PRAYER

God of goodness and love, we thank you that you are our Good Shepherd. Help us to be attentive to your call and your care. By your Holy Spirit, give us eyes to see where your blessings are already flowing, and sustain our faith until the day we see you face-to-face–the greatest blessing of all. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KATIE BORDEN

I’m a lifelong member of UALC and have had the privilege of serving our community in both volunteer and staff roles over the years. I love learning, OSU football, good conversations, chocolate croissants, laughter, and sharing about the good news of Jesus in whatever capacity I can.