“I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.” Ezekiel 34:16
Lord God, Guard and care for your sheep. There are so many poor shepherds, so many poor pastors, who cannot and do not care for their sheep as they ought. False teaching. A heavy hand. Neglect. A lack of tender care. A poor handling of your word. Even the best of your shepherds are frail and sinful. The best of them harm your sheep even without intending to. Lord Jesus, you must shepherd your sheep as only you can. Guard and care for them. When they are chased from the flock, run after them and bring them back. When they are wounded by poor shepherds or other angry sheep, bind them up and strengthen them. Rise up, O Shepherd, guard and keep your sheep. Protect them from all who would harm their body and this soul. Amen.
Sin ensures that people think only about themselves and you are pushed to the side. The Shepherd ensures that there is always One whose only concern is you.