Jeremiah 50:6 – “My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray.  They have made them turn aside on the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill and have forgotten their resting place.”

As I read, prayed, and mused on the Word of God today, angels and shepherds kept drawing my focus.  The Great Shepherd is Jesus.  Studying the life of a natural shepherd is revelatory.    Jeremiah 50:6 speaks of Israel as shepherdless (lost sheep) who wander aimlessly in the mountains, going from one mountain to another.   The symbolism there is staggering.

Lost or purposeless was their condition.  No defined vision. No leader to guide, guard, warn, and train them.  The mountains can represent kingdoms, governmental or religious structures (organizations).  They go from place to place, searching but not finding.   Remember what Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, know Me, and follow Me.”   We cannot follow a vision that is not God-inspired in us and purposed for us.  Chasing the latest fad will not satisfy.

Titus 2:11-13 reveals a ministry of Grace we sometimes overlook.  Grace “trains” us.   First, it puts that inner unction in us to reject godless ways and worldly desires.   Second, it trains us to pursue control of self, our emotions, our ambitions, and our dreams.  It inspires us to pursue lives of uprightness and godliness “in the present age.”

Grace gives us access to God and enables us to resist and receive.   Hebrews 1:3 tells us that Jesus is the very essence and representation of God.    We say, “Of course He is; He is the Son of God.”   But He was also a man, one of us. Also, He lives “in” us; therefore, the Jesus in us, manifested by and through us, causes us to be reflectors of the essence and representation of God.   What God do people see when they encounter us?

The shepherd, through God’s grace, helps us to learn the principles of life that enable us to be true reflectors of God.   We have Jesus in our hearts and the Holy Spirit to empower us, but we have more. We have access to something few tap into.    Hebrews 1:14 reveals that powerful benefit of angelic ministry.  Read the declaration concerning angels: “Are they not ALL ministering spirits sent out to serve those who inherit salvation?”   Who inherits salvation?  Those who are born again. Are we born again?

We dare not develop an unhealthy or unbiblical view of angels, but we should tap into their purpose.  They are designed and assigned to help us!  Their purpose is to encourage, strengthen, protect, and guide.

That speaks to me of the immensity of God’s love and the extent of His concern for us.   How can we be discouraged or succumb to selfishness even in our emotions, knowing our shepherd is guiding and our Father is providing?  

Listen to that inner voice; you will be surprised at the level of guidance God has been providing.