2023_11_17 Insight Post- Frances Koch
This week’s reading- Ezekiel 1, Acts 8, Ezekiel 34, Revelation 4
I think after being a Christian for many years I might finally be catching a glimpse of God’s love for me. When I read Ezekiel 34 I could feel tears in the corner of my eyes. The prophet is saying how God is angry with the kings who had ruled unjustly and hurt his people. The verses that really affected me were the ones where God talks about bringing his people back who have been scattered. In verse 16 he says, “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.”
This was such a powerful image to me. The God of heaven is searching for those of his children who are lost and have been scattered by evil rulers. This whole chapter reads like an indictment of the powerful who use their authority to hurt the weakest, while making themselves fatter and stronger.
I like the idea that our God turns everything upside down. It truly isn’t the powerful who are exalted in God’s kingdom. It’s those who are the weakest. The best rulers help the weak and bring justice against those who think they are above the law.
I’ve thought a bit about how this applies to me. I don’t really feel as if I have any power and I’m certainly not a king or a judge. However, there are places where I can make a difference with the influence and leadership opportunities I have, no matter how insignificant they might seem.
For example, in relationships, I notice that as my adult children have gotten older, I have had to say a lot less. I am such a big voice in their life that my words weigh much more than what I intend. My approval or disapproval matters in a disproportionate way. Using my influence to bully them is not the way God does business.
Another example is in my role as an elementary school teacher. I carry a lot of weight in my class of 23 students. My words really matter to these 9- and 10-year-olds. Treating them with dignity and kindness when it would be so easy and so natural to get frustrated, is an image of a good shepherd.
Of course, this brings me back to the realization that I really can’t make this happen in my life. Jesus said in John 15:5, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” My good shepherd is available to strengthen my feeble attempts to be a good and just leader whenever I find myself in a more powerful position relative to someone else. Remembering how God looks at leadership and authority changes my priorities and my perspective.
Let’s pray together today: Lord Jesus, you showed your love for all people when you were here on Earth. You loved religious leaders, like Nicodemus, and those who had been rejected by society, like the woman at the well. Your arms are always open to us. Please show us today people who are vulnerable, that need the protection that you offer. Let us be quick to be your hands and feet today. In your name we pray, AMEN.
Frances Koch
Prayer Team Member