Faithful Shepherds - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

I will raise up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, saith Jehovah.
Jeremiah 23:4

Faithful Shepherds
The spiritual leaders of Jeremiah's day were easy to identify. In Jeremiah 23, God Himself called them "the shepherds that feed My people" (v. 2). They were responsible to tend Jehovah's flock, nourishing them in good pastures, and probably anyone who spent time observing the Lord's people could have pointed them out.

But this passage exposes those shepherds as frauds. Although they had a reputation for feeding the people, this was only known by report and not experience. In reality, the Lord said they had scattered the flock. The problem was not merely a question of wandering sheep. Verse 2 explains that the false shepherds had actually driven them away by refusing to pay attention to their needs.

Yet God intended to regather His sheep. In context, this is a millennial promise. The Messiah, God's righteous King, will not only execute justice but also provide safety for His flock (vv. 5-8). In those days, the faithful shepherds of verse 4 will arise. The sheep will be pastured and protected; and notice well that tender phrase, "neither shall any be missing."

This is a word for our days, too. Are any sheep missing among us? When pastoral care is exercised in reality, not just by reputation, the sheep of the Lord will know. A teaching gift is essential for nourishing the flock, but teaching without pastoring has on many occasions been the whip which drives away the sheep. Our verse shows that faithful shepherds will also feed the sheep, but in a different way. These sheep will not fear nor be dismayed. They will be reached not only in conscience but also in heart. They know they have been taught and have also been loved. Are any sheep missing? If so, where are the shepherds?

Stephen Campbell