“And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd.” – Ezekiel 34:23
God was disgusted with the corruption, abuse, cruelty, and injustice of the leaders of Israel. Though called to be shepherds, they instead abused and took advantage of their sheep. Scripture says that God ordains government for good purposes, yet at that time, the leaders cared only for themselves, their wealth, their power, and their benefit. So God made this promise. One day, He would send a new shepherd, one who would rule justly and care for the weak, sick, injured, vulnerable, lost, and confused.
Though King David had already been dead for nearly four centuries, God promised a shepherd like him, descended from him, and concerned with truly leading as God desired. This prophecy would be fulfilled centuries later when Jesus, the Good Shepherd, the Son of God, and God in the flesh was born, lived, died on the cross, rose from the dead, and ascended to Heaven where He rules and reigns over the universe today.
Jesus is our Good Shepherd like David. He has indeed been given all authority in heaven and on earth. He feeds and cares for the people of God. He redeems us from our sins, strengthens us for our days, sustains us through our trials, transforms us across the years of our lives, and welcomes us into God’s presence when we die. The world remains full of corrupt, selfish, and foolish shepherds. Don’t look to them for salvation or hope. Look to the Good Shepherd! Yield your life to Him and let Jesus lead you, feed you, sustain you, and love you.