ReaD Ezekiel 34
In Ezekiel 34 we see God’s anger brought against the shepherds that have taken advantage of the sheep. They have not helped the weak, the sick, or the injured, nor have they brought back the strays or sought the lost. But with force and violence, they have ruled over the flocks. They have used the flock to satisfy their own appetites and interests, abandoning the sheep in the process. In response the Lord says that He is against the shepherds, that He will demand the sheep from them and will rescue the sheep from these shepherds. His righteous anger burns against those who have misused their position in such a grievous manner. In the context of Ezekiel 34 this condemnation is brought against the kings and priests of the people of Israel who have not fulfilled the requirements of their office and have abused their positions at great cost to the people.
But what does this mean to us in 2026? First, we see in this chapter God’s promise to the sheep who have suffered at the hands of the shepherds. God will seek them out, will rescue them from danger, and will provide lush pasture and good grass (I see echoes of Psalm 23 here). The Lord sees the plight of His sheep and will not leave them or forsake them; He has provided the Good Shepherd to look after His sheep and to provide healing and rest to them.
Often when I read the Old Testament I am struck by how the Israelites and their leaders are often failing in spectacular ways. How could they be so hard-headed and not see God at work among them? But when think this over a bit I am struck by how much like them I often am. I may not be a king, I may not build a golden calf or ask to go back to Egypt, but how often do I not see how God is at work around me? How often do I miss the opportunity to reach out to the sick, the wounded, the heartbroken or the hungry (whether physically or spiritually) because I am wrapped up in my own interests, thoughts or pursuit of what will satisfy me? We are children of the Good Shepherd. We are God’s chosen people and a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Am I not in some way a bad shepherd myself when I do not look out for, pursue, and truly love those who are often called “the least of these”? Am I causing others to lose sight of the promise of God and his call to them by my actions?
For Reflection:
- How is God calling you to be a good shepherd to those in need?
By Geof Johnson
