The Shepherd and Me
2008-05-16

I just heard on the news this afternoon that a minister with Prestonwood Baptist Church has been arrested in an online sex sting. He had travelled to a town, expecting to meet a 13 year old girl.

Dear God, why is this such a rampant problem in the ranks of ministry? I pray for this man and his family. As well as for the church he represents, or represented, I guess.



Psalm for today: Psalm 11

"In the LORD I take refuge;
how can you say to my soul,
'Flee like a bird to your mountain,
for behold, the wicked bend the bow;
they have fitted their arrow to the string
to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart;
if the foundations are destroyed,
what can the righteous do?'

The LORD is in his holy temple;
the LORD's throne is in heaven;
his eyes see, his eyelids test, the children of man.
The LORD tests the righteous,
but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
Let him rain coals on the wicked;
fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.
For the LORD is righteous;
he loves righteous deeds;
the upright shall behold his face." Verses 1-7

I think that was kind of appropriate, in light of today's news.



Day 157

Ezekiel 34:10-16

In this passage, God is taking back the "sheep" from the "shepherds" who aren't doing their jobs. He's "firing" them. In fact, that's exactly how Peterson translates it. "They're fired as shepherds of my sheep. No more shepherds who just feed themselves! I'll rescue my sheep from their greed. They're not going to feed off my sheep any longer!" That's verse 10.

Would that God would do that again. It seems that, all through history, there have been so-called shepherds who have just been out to make a buck off of God's people. All the way back to pre-Reformation days, when Johann Tetzel came up with the get-rich scheme of indulgences. "As soon as a coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." How ludicrous! But it paid off for him, because masses of people tend to be extremely gullible.

In our modern times, we have had people like Robert Tilton, Jim Bakker, and many others, who have taken from people and fed their own greed.

But God always seems to weed them out eventually. They always get caught in their schemes and either completely removed from their "shepherd-ship" or, in some cases even put in prison.

But enough of the bad news. There is good news in this passage, too. Because when God removes the bad shepherds, he takes over, himself. "I myself am the shepherd." He promises to gather those who have been scattered. He promises to feed them on the mountains of Israel, to lead them to lush pastures so they can graze at leisure. He will make sure they get plenty of rest. He will protect the weak and injured.

Peterson wanted me to draw something here, but I have news for him. Homey don't draw! Heh. But I've got the most beautifully serene picture in my mind that I would draw if I could. Lush green meadows nestled in amongst trees with a backdrop of beautiful mountains. Sheep resting in these meadows, eating the best of grass at their leisure. Drinking from the purest of crystal-clear ponds that are so still that they look like glass.

Wait...I'm falling asleep. I'd better quit that. Haha...

Ok. The point is, God is our Shepherd. We can bring whatever we need to him. Are we injured or struggling? Not just talking about physical injuries, either. There are injuries that people have suffered that are far beneath the skin, that no human will ever see. These are the injuries that ruin a life. Physical injuries might scar on the outside, but it's the emotional ones that leave the biggest scars.

We all struggle. Some more than others. Some struggle with things that, if they ever came to light, would shock people beyond belief. Just ask the minister from Prestonwood.

Do we feel strong? Celebrate that with the Shepherd. Do we need rest? He will provide it. Rest in him. Even if just for a moment. Bring him your need and tell him about it. Receive the comfort he gives.



Father, help us all who struggle. Especially by close to those who have suffered emotional scars and injuries. Let us all know your peace and your healing. Let us know your rest. Let us find that pasture, those ponds, that peaceful setting, even if only in our minds. Let us rest in you. Give us comfort and healing.


Grace and peace, friends.


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