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11 "'God, the Master, says: From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I'm going looking for them. 12 As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I'm going after my sheep. I'll rescue them from all the places they've been scattered to in the storms. 13 I'll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries, and bring them back to their home country. I'll feed them on the mountains of Israel, along the streams, among their own people. 14 I'll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. 15 And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest. 16 I'll go after the lost, I'll collect the strays, I'll doctor the injured, I'll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they're not exploited. 17 "'And as for you, my dear flock, I'm stepping in and judging between one sheep and another, between rams and goats. 18 Aren't you satisfied to feed in good pasture without taking over the whole place? Can't you be satisfied to drink from the clear stream without muddying the water with your feet? 19 Why do the rest of my sheep have to make do with grass that's trampled down and water that's been muddied? 20 "'Therefore, God, the Master, says: I myself am stepping in and making things right between the plump sheep and the skinny sheep. 21 Because you forced your way with shoulder and rump and butted at all the weaker animals with your horns till you scattered them all over the hills, 22 I'll come in and save my dear flock, no longer let them be pushed around. I'll step in and set things right between one sheep and another. 23 "'I'll appoint one shepherd over them all: my servant David. He'll feed them. He'll be their shepherd. 24 And I, God, will be their God. My servant David will be their prince. I, God, have spoken. (Ezekiel 34:11-24 The Message)
Happy Wednesday, ConCafe Family! May God's special blessings be with you and yours, dear Friend. As we pray, let us continue to pray for those whose needs are before the Lord and in our hearts. I have an update from my cousin regarding Gina Zapata. She is responding to commands of yes or no, feels pain in her fingers when the nurses pinch her, and has slept a lot. I take those as positive signs and I urge us to continue to pray for her complete healing. Also, please pray for Michelle Lavender who underwent ankle surgery yesterday morning; pray for a healthy and speedy recovery. And prayers for the family of Ruth "Baby" Denham, who passed away last Thursday in Gonzales,TX. Our sister was 100 years old.
Our daughter, Nellie, was raised with plenty of stories, books, movies, etc about kings. Unfortunately, her little mind processed the idea of a king with someone evil We were not awared of this until we were in worship at an annual conference session at Southwestern University's majestic chapel. The worship service began with the awesome choir of La Trinidad UMC of San Antonio, and they chose to sing "The King is Coming." She was in my Dad's arms when the song registered in her brain and she said loudly, "Oh my God, grandpa, get me out of here! The king is coming!" Those around her chuckled and her Dad could not stop laughing. And indeed in many children's books and stories, the king was not usually known for his kindness or concern for others. History has shown why some of these stories came about. To be a human king is quite an honor and a huge responsibility. In present times, this title has become mostly ceremonial, with most monarchies having a prime minister and a governing body to help in the day-to-day decisions. The kings from biblical times were those with absolute power over their subjects and their power even included life and death of their subjects If you have ever studied those in the Bible you've seen why God had a great reluctance to establish monarchs at first. God was king and the earthly rule for many years was by those who were judges and/or prophets. Samuel was the last of the prophets for it was under his watch that Israel cried out for a king. He first took it personally, and God had to tell him that it was not him they were rejecting, it was Him. The first king of Israel was Saul, chosen for his height and good-looks as the bible writer tells it; there was not much more to that first king. The second king was David.
This passage reaffirms the heart of the king with a shepherd's heart; while this passage affirms God having the power to make Jesus our king, we should take note of the positive attributes of a great king, who should possess shepherd qualities (re-read Psalm 23 to see a brief summary of a great shepherd!); this passage affirms a love that will go searching for the lost. A shepherd also rescues the lost and brings them safely back home, especially during difficult times like storms or wars. This shepherd king will also bring all the exiles scattered throughout the world, back home; and once home will see they are adequately fed and watered. This king will also be a physician who will see the injured healed; the weak made strong, and oversight will be given to the strong so they are not exploited. And there in verse 17, what our gospel lesson on Monday says that God will judge between sheep and goats. And God stresses the need for us to be content without takjng advantage of the less fortunate; and God's promise of salvation is in this message that finally says that His Son, David, will be the shepherd, and God will be our God.
Here again, we have our reminder that if we are followers and believers in Christ Jesus, we are of His Kingdom first, and whatever other place we find ourselves falls to second in our allegiance and service, careful not to blur the two; Christ Jesus is the King, and for that we are thankful.
PRAYER: Loving Father, help us to see with eyes of faith that realm to which we belong. We affirm You as God, and Your Son, Jesus, as our King. May our loyalties to Him fuel our faithfulness and fruitfulness; in His Name we pray, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Show the Kingdom off by the way you live today!
Receive my blessings of peace and love,
Pastor Eradio Valverde
