For thus says the Lord...
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"For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and seek them out." (Ezekiel 34:11)
My uncle had sheep when I was a boy. In the summer, I would go and help him with them and his other animals. Of all the animals, the sheep were perhaps the most ignored. I remember them as being dirty, incredibly stupid, and not of much value. Sheep were to be tolerated, not loved.
This is in stark contrast to the true shepherds of the East. There, sheep are known by name. They are esteemed and loved for more than what they can give the owner in monetary return.
God esteems his own sheep. They may be dirty, incredibly stupid, and may not place much value on each other, but God knows each by name. And God bothers with each individual. God cares about each of his own. None escapes his loving intention or thoughtful attention.
My uncle had sheep when I was a boy. In the summer, I would go and help him with them and his other animals. Of all the animals, the sheep were perhaps the most ignored. I remember them as being dirty, incredibly stupid, and not of much value. Sheep were to be tolerated, not loved.
This is in stark contrast to the true shepherds of the East. There, sheep are known by name. They are esteemed and loved for more than what they can give the owner in monetary return.
God esteems his own sheep. They may be dirty, incredibly stupid, and may not place much value on each other, but God knows each by name. And God bothers with each individual. God cares about each of his own. None escapes his loving intention or thoughtful attention.
