Today's lesson comes from Ezekiel 34: 11-26. Last week in chapter thirty-three, Ezekiel was set as a watchman. Beginning in this lesson, God's message to His people will be dominated by the themes of comfort and restoration. After judgment has been passed, God declares that He will be a Shepherd to His scattered sheep. God reproves the rich and powerful because they used their power to persecute other members of the flock. After reproving them, God promises a bright and beautiful future under the appointed Shepherd, "my servant David."
The first section is "God's Care for His Sheep." (vv. 11-16a) The evil shepherds had mistreated the flock of Israel. They did not feed or care for them. The shepherds were more concerned with their personal gratifications than the well-being of the sheep. However, in these verses we find God making a number of statements that involve the expression, "I will." In fact there are twelve "wills" in these verses. God promises to search out the lost sheep and provide for them. Jesus said He saw the multitudes and was moved with compassions for them (Matthew 9:36). Dark and threatening storms can cause a flock to scatter trying to find shelter. God said, "I will deliver them out of places where they have been scattered." Ezekiel assured God's people that it was God's purpose to restore "them to their land." God will satisfy the soul with good things. Peace and contentment abound, for His sheep "lie in a good fold and in a fat pasture." Where man had failed to provide for the sheep, God was going to be the True Shepherd for them. We find the fulfillment of this in Jesus Christ who came to seek and save the lost sheep of Israel. In contrast to the evil shepherds, Jesus "healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds (Psa. 147:3). The self-centered shepherds failed to meet the needs of the flock, but the all-knowing God, in His faithful love, would meet every need.
The second section is "The Fat and Strong Rebuked." vv. 16b-22 God promises too feed the "fat and strong" with judgment. The "fat" sheep had no concern for others. Read verses 16-22 to see why God was displeased with these sheep. They were self-sufficient and self-reliant. They should have used their resources to help others. However, they went beyond mere neglect of others, they had a disdain and physically abused those who were weak and diseased (v. 21). God will judge the "fat" sheep who have scattered the flock and oppressed the people. God will reject the proud, but accept the pertinent and brokenhearted (v. 17). "He has rest for disquieted saints, and terror for presumptuous sinners." (Matthew Henry)
The third section is "Blessed Days Under David." vv. 23-26 God had promised David, "I will set up thy seed after thee...and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever." (2 Samuel 7: 12,13) In the last book of the Bible, Christ identified Himself as "the root and the offspring of David." What God has promised, He will bring about. Much of that contained in verses 23-26 refers to a period we call the Millennial Reign of Christ. However, the truths contained in these verses can be spiritually applied to Christians today.
The Good Shepherd will feed His flock. There is no shortage of the Word today. However, we must be very careful to judge what we see and hear by the Word of God. There are many false prophets today that will try to divert you from the truth of the simplicity of the Gospel. God will also protect His children. Verse 25 states that He will provide a covenant (promise) of peace, to stop the evil beasts, and grant safety. Further, God will make His people and their dwelling places a blessing. Ezekiel 34:26 speaks of "showers of blessings." As I write this, we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Without debating the legitimacy of the pandemic, suffice it to say that many are hurting physically and financially. Those that place their trust in the LORD will find that there are showers of blessings for the children that follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will keep you from sin and sin from you. The gift of Jesus Christ was provided to redeem us from sin, and the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to cleanse our hearts and empower us for service. Without the "showers of blessing," individuals and churches would soon wither, become formal and worldly. With Paul, we can say, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." (Ephesians 1:3)
The Golden Text is: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) Jesus Christ willingly laid down His life for His sheep. No man could force Him, but He did what He did because of His love for those the Father had given Him. He died in our place to set us free from the penalty of sin, the power of sin and ultimately, the presence of sin. Thank Him today for what He as done for you.
My summary points:
1. God will take care of His own.
2. There is a day of judgment for those who oppress God's people.
3. God has blessed His people with every spiritual blessing.
Next week, "A New Heart." Ezekiel 36:25-38
Read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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