The Accountability of Shepherds #1286

The Accountability of Shepherds The Lord speaks, His voice like a storm to the shepherds: "You have scattered My flock, driven them away like leaves in the wind, left them to stray along barren paths, among wolves and shadows. Your hands, once steady, now withhold care; your hearts, once kind, now beat with neglect. Guide them, tend their wounds, bind their fears with gentleness. But you pursued self-interest, found safety behind your walls, leaving My people to wander the wilderness alone. Where are the green pastures, the cool waters to restore their weary souls? Where are the arms that comfort the broken, the voice that calls the lost back home? I will bestow upon you what you have given them, the bitterness you sowed, the darkness you harbored. Their lamentation rises like incense to the heavens, each tear a jewel uncounted. I will repay you for the evil you have done." The Lord declares this truth unwaveringly, as He gathers His scattered sheep back home, calling them by name, leading with mercy and grace. In valleys where sorrow once dwelt, new streams will flow, pastures shall bloom, and the broken fences will mend. No thief shall scale the walls again, for the Good Shepherd will guard the gates and lay down His life for those He loves. Written by Steven G. Lee (May 11, 2024)