Satan hates to see the progress of God’s people in this world. He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn. 10:10). But he uses a very shrewd approach, which has been copied by evil rulers throughout history. He seeks to make the victims look like the persecutors.

As the ancient Israelites could follow the Shepherd and call on Him on their behalf, so the modern Christian can follow the Good Shepherd and ask him to “give ear” and “shine forth” in time of need.