This chapter has a multi-fold promise: God will judge those who have failed to be good shepherds of His people; God will rescue His scattered sheep (people); God will sort the obedient sheep from the evil ones; God will bless and protect the remaining sheep through ‘His servant David’.
” ‘Therefore, thus says the Lord God to them: Behold, I, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. Because you push with side and shoulder, and thrust at all the weak with your horns, till you have scattered them abroad, I will rescue my flock; they shall no longer be a prey. And I will judge between sheep and sheep. 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. And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I am the Lord; I have spoken.’ ” (v20-24)
This passage is echoed in Mt 25:31-46 where Jesus the Good Shepherd casts final judgement, separating the obedient sheep from the disobedient (goats). In both passages Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the one who cares for us, rescuing the lost, feeding the hungry, and providing for our every (spiritual) need. In both passages we His servants are also called to care for God’s image-bearers as an extension of Jesus.
Though I’m not thrilled about being called a sheep (they’re not the most intelligent creatures), I understand the analogy is fitting. God longs to care for us and protect us, providing for our eternal wellbeing through Jesus. The only thing He asks is that we listen and obey, following His Word and His voice, with the Spirit’s help, for our remaining days. In obeying God we are able to love Him, and love our neighbors. Really, we’re getting the better end of this deal – God has nothing to gain for helping us, and we have everything of eternal value to gain.
Father God, our Magnificent Creator, we praise You for sending Your servant David, who is Jesus the Good Shepherd, to care for every spiritual need. Please guide us through Your Spirit to remain humble servants of You our Most High God. Please help us to obey consistently, and love others as Jesus does. May we do these things with joy and willingness, glorifying You, with every word and action. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training