Searching and Seeking

The message was brought by Rev. Bob Surber on August 17, 2025.

Ezekiel 34:11 For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. 16 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: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

How do you describe your relationship with God?  If saved, you’ve been adopted into the family.  He continually shepherds us. We can’t make it on our own!  We need Jesus as our shepherd.  Jesus called himself the GOOD SHEPHERD. He doesn’t try to be a shepherd.  He does it!

In the Old Testament, the Lord God, the heavenly Father, says he is the Shepherd.  In the New Testament, the Son of God is the Shepherd.  They want to take care of us.  As sheep we always need him.  Sheep is all we’ll ever be, so we will always need a shepherd.  You are on his mind. He knows us all by name.  All of us, 100%, need him 100% of the time. And he’s always there.

Sheep are considered dumb animals, more vulnerable than others.  We should take note and be totally dependent on God. I realize it more everyday just how much I need him.  Why?  We’re prone to stray. We wander under the bushes and briars and get injured. Life takes control from us.  Sheep don’t control; they surrender control to their Shepherd.  His staff is protection and correction. His fold is just right for us.  Each night we can look back on the day and realize his care.  Sleep in like lying down in the fold.  He has never failed us.

People without God lie down in fear, but the Good Shepherd watches over us.  Verse 16 sums it up:  he searches and seeks.  Jesus is seeking for you if you’re lost.  Hear his voice. Let him find you. There is no better experience than being found by the Lord.  Sheep get scattered.  We call on the Shepherd and he’ll bring us back.  He doesn’t give up on us. He heals our wounds. His love is there.  We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Let him lead and guide you.  Let him care for you.  We always need him. Let God be 100% Shepherd and acknowledge your vulnerability as a sheep.  Let him take care of you.