A Shepherd Gathers His Scattered Sheep
by Ed Bray
Our current situation of COVID-19 pandemic can make it difficult to remain connected and it is easy for us to become “scattered” from one another. When we are challenged during tough times we need, more than ever, to turn our attention to Jesus – our Shepherd. God has given us amazing technologies to help us remain connected, technologies that allow us to still hold worship services, and even have time with our brothers and sisters. However, the day will soon come when we can meet in person and fellowship with each other and return to our “normal” routine. The truth is, this time will test our individual faith just as it did for the Apostles on the night Jesus was arrested. But there is hope and it must be built on our faith in God to gather us and protect us.
Jesus references Zechariah 13:7 (Read verses 7-9; the prophet references the sheep being scattered when the shepherd is struck down… but goes on to also reference to the testing of our faith in the fire but in the end we will be more refined and closer to God.)
Why do you think Peter (and the other disciples) doubts Jesus’ prediction about them scattering?
Why did Peter lose his faith in this moment.
How are you doing with your faith in our current situation? What emotions come up for you?
God never abandons His sheep
What comfort can you find in these words about God looking after the scattered flock.
Think about what God wants from each and every one of us.
Jesus gave a Shepherd to the disciples
Why do you think Jesus asked Peter three times about whether he loves him?
God can, and will, keep us together. In today’s world, there are so many avenues available to us to stay connected even though we can’t physically be with each other. There are many things that can test our faith everyday.
Questions/Medications
1. How have you handled the adjustment to your new“normal?”
2. If you are feeling anxious, have you shared that with anyone? Jesus can still feed us, but we must go in search of spiritual food.
Photo credit
The banner image of this blog, and the image used for linked social sites is title “Local woman in the Negev Mountain אישה מקומית בהר הנגב.jpg” by CarmelH1 / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0). Color-correction and/or text-overlay are added.