Scripture – Ezekiel 34:16 (KJV) I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick…
(The Message) I’ll go after the lost, I’ll collect the strays, I’ll doctor the injured, I’ll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they are not exploited…
Observation – This verse is such a praise for every man, woman and child. God doesn’t just pick and cultivate those who are without hurts or pains. Instead, He embraces those who are hurting, showing them His grace and love.
Application – This verse is very personal to me. It is the basis for First Step Ministry, which God placed on my shoulders to carry. I love that He so specifically says He will seek the lost and bind up the broken. I have been broken so many times in my life. Each time, I have wondered if I would be restored. Kind of like the cat with nine lives, I have wondered just how many “lives” I am going to get before God says enough is enough. And yet, when you read this verse, it is clear that there is no end to His love. We are able to be most effective to God when we are at our weakest point. For it is at that moment that we turn over control to Him and allow Him to mold us into the disciple we should be. I would never have pegged myself for ministry. There are some even today who think I am not cut out for ministry because of the hardships my life has endured. They feel that if I would just “give up this ministry thing” and focus on being a mother and wife, I would be much better off. That’s not what God wants for me. “I’ll build up the weak ones…” Being weak is not a bad thing. Weakness and vulnerability are attributes to be used by God. My clients are lost and injured. They are broken and sick. So were the chosen 12. Jesus chose them because of their weaknesses. It’s our imperfections that make us so perfect for God.
Prayer – Lord God, thank you for using my weaknesses as an asset to further your kingdom. Help us all to remember that the lost and broken are as much your children as the strong and seemingly perfect. Help us to love equally. Amen