For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. (Ezekiel 34:11,12 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Be Shepherded
Road construction is the bane of modern travel. But the absolute worst, often, are pilot cars. We wait, and wait, and wait for them. They lead us too swiftly or too slowly. They look down on us, frowning as eventually we pass them. They are the personal faces of the sorrow of road construction.
Part of it is, we do not like being told what to do, especially by someone who does not know us.
But there is a Pilot Car leading us. God’s people are scattered throughout nations, states, cities, communities, businesses, occupations, families, clubs, associations and all manner of groups. And some of those scattered places are pretty rough.
God is bringing us back together, though. Both in heaven, eventually, and on earth, gradually.
And our Shepherd, Jesus, is leading us.
The road is difficult, painful, and confusing. But our Shepherd knows the way. And He is strong. And He is loving. And He is trustworthy. Watching Him ahead of us takes away the reasons for fear on the road.
Thankfully, following the shepherd is not a matter of guessing where He wants us to step. His Word is filled with guidelines, guidance, and guides. His Word describes the dangers of the road, the broken paths to avoid, and the well-paved or grassy safety zones.
Fear not, then be shepherded.