My friend helps look after the sheep on his family’s farm. He told me: “Sheep are so stupid that they’ll only eat what is right in front of them. Even if they’ve eaten all the grass, they won’t turn to look for a fresh patch—they’ll just start eating mud!”

The Bible often says humans are like sheep. No wonder we need a shepherd! But since sheep are so stupid, not just any shepherd will do. Sheep need a shepherd who cares about them.

When Ezekiel wrote to God’s people in Babylon, he compared them to sheep led by bad shepherds. Instead of caring for the flock, Israel’s leaders were using them for their own ends (V.3) and then leaving them for the wild animals to kill (V.6).

But they were not without hope. God, the good shepherd, promised to rescue them from the leaders who harmed them. He promised to bring them back to their own country, put them in new homes and give them rest. He would heal the injured and go after the lost (VV.11-16).

As God’s flock, we are in need of love and direction. How amazing to know we have a good shepherd who is always leading us (V.14)!

By: Amy Peterson

To Pray About . . .

God, thanks for caring for me, even when I don’t know what I need or where I should go. Teach me to listen to Your voice so I will continue to walk the righteous path.