296. Feed in Good Pasture
Ezekiel 34:14 And 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 far pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel.
The Church where the Gospel is preached is described as a good pasture, as the high mountains of Israel, a good fold, and a far pasture on the mountains of Israel. The Lord promises to feed us in the church with the Gospel in Word and Sacraments. Using the sheep and shepherd metaphor for feeding and caring, the Lord brings us into the fold and from there He leads us in and out to green pastures.
The good fold is the church of believers who gather regularly to be fed with the sweet Gospel and the severe Law. The sheep are tended and cared for in the fold. It is in the fold where we belong, under the tender care of the Good Shepherd, who meets all our needs. He leads us out of the fold into the still waters and green pastures where we feed and are nourished under the watchful eye of the Good Shepherd. We are in the loving presence of Jesus whether we are in the fold or on the good pastures of the mountains. This is the Good News and the Good Promise of Jesus Christ our Lord and Shepherd.
The Shepherd and Sheep image is meant to conjure up a bucolic and serene scene filled with peace and joy, comfort and security. This pleasant scenario cannot be found anywhere in the world and we cannot be fed by anything from the world. It is the very Lamb of God, who loved us and died for us, who is the Shepherd meeting us and living among us when two or three gather in Jesus’s name. He is always with us to feed us in the pasture, care for us in the fold, and protect us from the lions and wolves and bears that seek to destroy. The Gospel is the power that saves and protects; it is the power that nourishes and provides; it is the power that loves and cherishes; it is the power that places us in the hands of the One who keep us safe, secure and comfortable. Listen to His Voice.