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God's Answer to the Unrighteous Shepherds
Ezekiel 34:15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. 16 I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy." God's answer to the unrighteous shepherds."
In the book of Ezekiel, chapter 34, we see God's powerful response to the ungodly shepherds of Israel. These leaders had failed in their duty to care for God's people, so the flock suffered greatly. But God, in His mercy and justice, declares that He will personally take over as the shepherd of Israel. Let's explore the profound actions that the Lord plans for His flock and the promise of judgment for the wicked oppressors.
God's Promise of Care and Justice
In response to the neglect and abuse by the shepherds of Israel, God declares that He will search for, seek out, gather, rescue, feed, lie down, seek, bring back, bind up, strengthen, and feed His flock. These actions illustrate God's deep care and concern for His people. He promises to attend to their needs, leading them to restoration and abundance. But God's response goes beyond just care - He also promises judgment for the evildoers. Those who have oppressed and exploited the weak will face the consequences of their actions. God's justice is swift and sure, bringing comfort to the oppressed and hope for a better future.
The Comfort of God's Presence
God's response must have been a source of great comfort for the oppressed ones in Israel. They had suffered at the hands of ungodly shepherds, but now God Himself would come to their rescue. His presence would bring healing and restoration, making right all the wrongs they had endured. The promise of judgment on the oppressors would bring justice and closure to the victims. The image of God as the shepherd of His people is powerful. It conveys His intimate care, guidance, and protection. In a world filled with ungodly leaders and oppressive systems, God's promise to be our shepherd is a beacon of hope and comfort. He will lead us to green pastures and still waters, where we can find rest and peace.
23 And I will set up over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he shall feed them: he shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24 And I, the Lord, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them. I am the Lord; I have spoken. 25 “I will make with them a covenant of peace and banish wild beasts from the land, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods.
26 And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. 27 And the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land. And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke, and deliver them from the hand of those who enslaved them.
28 They shall no more be a prey to the nations, nor shall the beasts of the land devour them. They shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid. 29 And I will provide for them renowned plantations so that they shall no more be consumed with hunger in the land, and no longer suffer the reproach of the nations.
30 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, declares the Lord God. 31 And you are my sheep, human sheep of my pasture, and I am your God, declares the Lord God.”
Conclusion
In Ezekiel 34, we see God's compassionate response to the failures of the ungodly shepherds of Israel. His promise to personally care for His flock and bring judgment on the wicked is a testament to His sovereignty and justice. As we navigate a world filled with injustice and oppression, we can take comfort in knowing that God is our shepherd, guiding us through the darkest valleys and leading us to places of healing and restoration. Trust in His care and justice, for He is faithful to His promises.
By Traci Morin
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