“I will feed My sheep with justice” (Ezekiel 34:16).
Beloved Father, You addressed these wonderful words to Your people Israel, showing Your deep love for Your firstborn. You always remained faithful to Your people, even though they strayed from the path so many times. At times, You had to guide them back with a firm hand and remind them of the covenant You had made with them. Yet You were always willing to forgive their sins if only they had listened to You.
Oh, if only people would listen to You!
This is as urgent today as it was in the days when Your Son came down to earth to make You known to humanity. He could say of Himself, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (Jn 10:11) And indeed, Jesus gave His life for the salvation of humanity.
If only people would listen to You! What would happen then? True peace would enter their hearts—peace with You, peace with themselves, and peace among one another.
If only people would listen to You! Knowledge of God would grow. People would tell each other how much You love them and how You have led them to “fertile pastures.” And no one would envy the happiness of others.
If only people would listen to You! Darkness would have to give way, because wherever faith is lived, darkness cannot remain. Every human life would be respected and treated as sacred because it comes from You.
If only people would listen to You!
Are these just pipe dreams? To some, they might sound that way. But in reality, they are not fantasies.
All of this could happen if people would listen to You.
You know it!