TERROR AND CONSOLATION
“’I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more,
nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,’ says the Lord”
( Jeremiah 23:4).
In spite of the messages of condemnation, Israel always received hope and promises of restoration. The punishments that were to come were described, but they were assured that God would preserve a faithful remnant, which would return to Judah from the Babylonian captivity and the dispersion in Egypt. The image of a shepherd gathering his faithful flock speaks of God’s forgiveness and the opportunity to return to Him. Showing that in spite of the consequences of sin, there is always hope in divine mercy. Jeremiah 23 begins with the word Ay, which means warning or admonishment. Shepherds were to provide safe guidance and care for their flock, but they failed in their responsibility. In the same way, each Christian is a spiritual leader for others, so I am going to throw out a question for reflection this morning: Who has God entrusted to you? You are responsible before God for those who are under your influence.
A religious leader who does not fulfill their duty, who frightens or be- littles God’s flock with messages of terror, using the pulpit like a whip, or who presents a watered-down gospel, giving the congregation only what they want to hear, will be punished on the day of judgment. ‘The minister who has sacrificed truth to gain the favor of men now discerns the character and influence of his teachings. It is apparent that the omniscient eye was following him as he stood in the desk, as he walked the streets, as he mingled with men in the various scenes of life. Every emotion of the soul, every line written, every word uttered, every act that led men to rest in a refuge of falsehood, has been scattering seed; and now, in the wretched, lost souls around him, he beholds the harvest.” —The Great Controversy, ch. 42, p. 654.
Jeremiah also presents consolation for the sheep who have been neglected: ‘All our future rests with our individual action in opening our heart to receive the Prince of peace. Our minds can find quiet and rest in and through committing ourselves to Christ, in whom is efficiency of power.”—find, Character, and Personality y, vol. 1, ch. 8, p. 68. Jesus is our divine Shepherd: “However much a shepherd may love his sheep, he loves his sons and daughters more. Jesus is not only our shepherd; He is our ‘everlasting Father.’ And He says, ‘I know Mine own, and Mine own know Me.’ “ —The Desire of Ages, ch. 52, p. 483.
Let yourself be led by Jesus, the Prince of shepherds.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Angelica Cuate & Esteban Cortes