Observation: The Lord has denounced the leaders of Israel, using the metaphor of a shepherd. They took from the flock, ate the fatted sheep, used their wool for clothes. However, they did not guide them to good pasture, seek out the lost, protect them from theft or attack, or give them life-giving water.
The Lord himself declares that he will do all these things in the future, and then pronounces that he will set up one good shepherd over his people. This shepherd will be of the line of David. This good shepherd will feed the people and care for them, guiding them to goodness, and teaching them that the Lord is their God and father.
Application: This is a strong messianic prophesy by Ezekiel, and one I did not know existed. Ezekiel of course pronounces many times the destruction and restoration of people groups, and the extension of the restoration to much of the world. However, when Jesus calls himself the good shepherd, it is Ezekiel he is recalling.
And Jesus uses the same language we find here many times. He reminds others that sheep obey a shepherd because they know his voice of the. He describes seeking out lost souls as a shepherd leaving the flock to find one stray. He tells God in prayer that he has not lost any sheep charged to him. He describes heaven as a holding pen into which the shepherd guides everyone. He predicts that the sheep will scatter when the shepherd is struck down.
In all these ways, Jesus is shown better than human leaders who take care of themselves first, and in corruption can fail to take care of those in their charge at all.
It is Ezekiel's strong and clear words here that point to Jesus and inspire one of the best examples we have of our relationship with Messiah.
Prayer: Lord, I am delighted to be a sheep. May I follow only your voice, for I know that you lead me to lifegiving water, good pastures, and safe fields, protecting me from both beasts and violent men. I obey you freely and only. Amen.
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