The Good Shepherd

Ezekiel 34:15-16
I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. ¹⁶ I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.

This is the promise of God to Israel.
As I consider these words and the person of Jesus Christ I cannot help but call to mind His words.

Luke 19:10
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

John 10:14-16
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."

Jesus was not shy about proclaiming His identity. He was not cryptic in his proclamation. He was even bold in living into this identity as the Good Shepherd; seeking the lost, healing the sick & wounded, defending the poor and marginalized. He was and is the divine, Davidic shepherd of Ezekiel 34.
As an under-shepherd, under the authority of the Good Shepherd, I am called to follow in His steps, to reflect the model He has provided, to care for His sheep as He would.
Is my identify as obvious? Is my proclamation as bold? Are my passion and compassion as deep? Is my sacrifice as ready? Obviously not... but am I striving in this direction?

Lord - make me a shepherd in Your likeness. Teach me to faithfully shepherd Your flock. Strengthen me to sacrifice, to protect, to provide, to proclaim. Amen.