June 10 | Ezekiel 34:7-16

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DAILY READING

Ezekiel 34:7-16

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REFLECTION

God’s Care in Stormy Times

by Pr. Dave Mann

It was a time of international turbulence. The Assyrian empire that had decimated the northern kingdom of Israel was now at the mercy of Babylonia. Egypt marched north to assist Assyria and reclaim its ancient dominance. However, Babylonia would not be denied its day in the sun as the undisputed strongest military in the region. Jerusalem, the sole hold-out of the kingdom of Judah, was no match for the power of the East. The people of the southern kingdom, Judah, scattered to all the surrounding nations, seeking safety. Ezekiel was part of the earliest group of residents of Jerusalem, including King Jehoiachin, who were exiled to Babylonia (2 Kings 24:14). It was a time of instability. Hopelessness and despair filled the hearts of most.

Ezekiel was called to serve as one of the major prophets who ministered during this time of the Babylonian exile. The people of God no doubt wondered if the Lord had forgotten them.  There seemed to be no visible evidence that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was still concerned for them. Where was the God who had led them out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, cared for them miraculously in the wilderness, and brought them to their land in Canaan?

Have you lived through times when you wondered where God was? Perhaps you are in one of those times right now. Even if you had previously felt or seen the hand of the Lord God at work, you may now be confused by the events that are tempting you to doubt God’s love. 

The words of Ezekiel (chapter 34) were a bold message to the scattered people of the 6th century B.C. They are equally strong words for us in the 21st century. To those sheep who are scattered in various lands with seemingly no evidence of God at work, God states: “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.”

For those who wonder where the tender mercies of the Lord are, he announces:“ As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep.” 

For those who feel like their lives are full of storms, the Lord of Life proclaims:“I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.”

These are real promises for then and for now!

PRAYER

Lord God, there are times I walk as though you do not exist. I need your strong promises and the work of your Holy Spirit in my heart. I believe; help me in my unbelief. Thank you for the ministry of your prophet Ezekiel. May your words through him take root in my heart, in Jesus’ name, Amen.