06/07/2014 - TRUE SHEPHERD

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Hear the word of the LORD, o nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’ Jeremiah 31.10

In this verse, the Lord is comparing himself with a man who leaves the comfort of his home to spend the day in the field with its flock. The shepherd knows how important it is to be watchful towards those that belong to him, since sheep are generally a docile animal which cannot perceive danger. Whether the predator is a wolf, a bear or a lion, the sheep will see that the true shepherd will not allow a single piece of its ear in the mouth of the predator.

The shepherd is pleased to see his lambs growing and getting stronger. For that, he selects the best pasture. We must never refuse following God’s instructions by straying from his path into the ways of this world. He knows what is good for us and all the challenges that lay ahead of us; consequently, he allows us to undergo trials. If today you are undergoing tribulation in your life, thank the Lord for your faith in him and learn from this hard experience. 

When he sees his Church growing in faith, taking possession of that which he has in store for it, and returning with joy to report that even demons are subject to it, the Lord rejoices and, for our sake, he speaks with the Father (Luke 10.17-21). Therefore, make sure you always follow the Lord’s guidance, accomplish the mission he has given you and never give in to temptation, and then nothing will separate you from God’s love.

He is gathering the actual Israel, which is composed of people of all tribes, races and nations. By building the tower of Babel, he scattered his people throughout the world, each one speaking a different language (Genesis 11.1-9). Now he is bringing them closer to him and, at the same time, giving everyone the same faith. Be thankful, prudent, and wise by taking possession of everything that the Lord has given you.

As the flock of the Lord, our only concern must be to eat from the good pasture that is offered to us, to drink from the calm waters and to hear the voice of our shepherd. He knows where danger is hidden and what we need to learn in order to be fulfilled in him. Do not despise a single direction that he gives you, even if any of them seem of little value to you. Remember that those who despise the Word of God will perish.

There will come the day when we will be transported from this pasture into the eternal fields, and our Father will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Then we will be together with our true Shepherd, who will show how great our God is. But what we will be and what we will have, as well as what we will enjoy forever and ever is yet to be revealed. So do not be deceived by the devil; rather, believe in the eternal Truth—the Word of God.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares