Jeremiah 23

This chapter begins with a warning to the shepherds of Israel: “‘Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!’ declares the Lord. Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: ‘Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,’ declares the Lord. ‘I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,’ declares the Lord.” (vs 1-4)

For me, there was a heartwarming message in those verses: the flock might be scattered, but the sheep will not be lost. Even though they have been besieged by false prophets and wicked priests, even though they have been temporarily led astray by wolves in sheep’s clothing, they will not suffer irreparable harm.

It reminds me of the words of Jesus: “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (Jn 10:14)

I think this lends credence to the idea that nobody is ultimately deceived into being lost. Sure, we might all fall under temporary deception from time to time. We might be momentarily led astray, and we might even get caught up in a situation where the actions of the group land us in a dark place (even if we ourselves are innocent). But if, in our hearts, we belong to the Lord, nothing can ultimately take us out of His hand. God knows us, and if we know Him, we are safe, no matter what.

I look forward to the day when we, God’s sheep, will no longer be afraid or terrified. And I certainly look forward to the day when we’ll all be together again with no one missing. Until then, when the difficult days arrive, it’s comforting to me to remember that, even in the worst of times, God’s flock is always safe.