Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

Day 220

November 03, 2025 • Aneel Aranha • Season 3 • Episode 220

0:00 | 17:56

Discover the contrast between failing earthly kingdoms and Jesus as the Good Shepherd through Ezekiel 28-30 and John 10, finding true security in His sacrificial care.

Day 220 – Grasping Kings, a Giving Shepherd

Ezekiel 28–30
John 10

We all lean on something when life gets heavy. A paycheck. Someone's approval. Our own ability to figure things out. The real question is whether it will hold. In Ezekiel 28, the ruler of Tyre has wisdom, wealth, and a trading empire. In his pride he says, "I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god." God reminds him he's only a man. Then God speaks a lament that reaches all the way back to Eden. It describes a guardian cherub, once blameless, who was cast down. "Your heart became proud on account of your beauty," God says. In chapter 29, Pharaoh boasts, "The Nile belongs to me; I made it for myself." Egypt had been a staff of reed for Israel. Every time they leaned on it, it splintered. In chapter 30, God breaks Pharaoh's arm, and nothing can heal it. Then John 10 shows us a completely different kind of king. Jesus calls Himself the good shepherd. He knows His sheep by name, and they know His voice. The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. But the good shepherd lays down His life. "No one takes it from me," Jesus says, "but I lay it down of my own accord." And no one can snatch His sheep from His hand. Seen as a whole, these readings set two kinds of kings side by side. Proud rulers grasp at what was never theirs, while Jesus gives His life for those He loves.

What connects these readings is this. Human pride grabs at power that belongs only to God. But real authority looks like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life and holds His sheep securely.

How do we carry this into today?

First, as you move through your day, pause over a few things you own. Your phone, your car, your bank account. Over each one, say, "Lord, this is Yours. I'm only looking after it."

Second, name your own "Egypt." That one thing you lean on when pressure comes. Maybe it's someone's approval, your savings, or a familiar escape. Tell a trusted friend what it is, and ask them to remind you to turn to God first.

Third, set aside ten quiet minutes this evening with John 10:1–5. Read it slowly, twice. Then simply listen. Pay attention to anything you sense God saying, and test it against Scripture.

As you go through your day, remember this. Pride grabs, but the Good Shepherd gives.

Thank you for joining me today. May God give you open hands, a listening ear, and the deep rest of knowing no one can snatch you from His hand. Until tomorrow, follow the voice of the Shepherd who knows you by name.