Reliability

11 For thus says the LORD GOD: I myself will search for my sheep, and will seek them out 12 As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been scattered on a day of dark clouds and thick darkness. 

-Ezekiel 34:11-12 (NRSV)

From Thanksgiving through Christmas, we drive, fly, and travel all over the globe to find, rediscover, and share food, time, and love with our relatives and friends. Most of the time, these folks are easy to find. We know where they live, and usually, we don’t have to wonder if they will be there. In our fondest memories, the word family is synonymous with reliable. In some ways. we know our family loves us because we don’t have to look hard to find them when we need them and when they need us. Some of our relationships are so reliable that when we see our loved ones,  there isn’t much else to do but laugh and share a meal (or two).

However, some of our friends aren’t as lucky. They look far and wide but fail to find what they might call family, let alone reliable. Losing family and scattered friends may just be a condition of life in the 21st century. Whether through sickness, poverty, addiction, or deeply held resentment, our modern lives are filled with opportunities for us or the people that we care about to end up scattered, lost, and in desperate need of being found. While we may not face the same challenges as the ancient Israelites, the prophet Ezekiel voices how God’s love can assist those  of us who “have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness.” 

God knows that some people are scattered and suffering because He is doing something about it; He is seeking us out to rescue and bring us under His protection! But God isn’t alone; we can help! We can use the holidays as an opportunity to practice love and appreciation. You will surely see someone outside and alone over the next few days. During the holiday season, you will encounter someone who is scattered or looking for someone scattered. Help! Feed, clothe, pray, and appreciate what God has done for you while God continues searching, finding, rescuing, and healing the scattered, the lost, and the people we may not know how to help!

Dear God, Dear Shepard, protect our family as we face challenges that might break our bonds and separate us from You. Hold our hearts close to You so that our family is strengthened and fortified by Your love and Your Word, that we will remember that if we are scattered, we will be found! Amen!

Question for reflection: When was the last time you thought of an old friend that you haven’t from in a while? Would that person appreciate a holiday card from your family? If so, send one! If not, or if you don’t know where they are to receive a card, commit to adding this person to your daily prayers through the end of the year. Remember, God will search, rescue, gather, feed, heal, and nurture His scattered sheep (vv. 12-16).