Down and Up.

(Ezekiel 34)

Yesterday, we learned how Jesus viewed the large crowd as sheep made of a shepherd. The Shepherd imagery comes to us from the Old Testament in several places; however, in Ezekiel 34, we are given a lengthy word from God concerning Shepherds. Today, I want to turn our attention to Ezekiel 34 to explain why it is essential for Jesus to be a good shepherd.

Down and Out

Things seem bleak for the nation of Israel when we enter the text in Ezekiel 34. The decline began when they asked God for a king to rule over them so they could be like other nations (1 Samuel 8). Israel rejected God's direct rule and wanted a human king instead. God granted their request, and King David, who seemed to be a fitting ruler, even acknowledged God as the good shepherd in Psalm 23. However, David, too, was led astray by his selfish desires.

Politically and spiritually, Israel became a desolate nation. In Ezekiel 34, those who were supposed to “shepherd” the people and represent God had abandoned their duties, serving themselves instead of God. God, who has a heart for the broken and hurting, saw that these “shepherds” ignored the people. The situation became so dire that there appeared to be no hope for Israel. Their request for a king to rule them instead of God had proven to be the worst decision, leaving them lost, enslaved, and disconnected from their true identity and God.

Like Mary Poppins scolding Mr. Banks for neglecting his children, God scolds the shepherds and takes over their duties. Those entrusted with the care of His people had failed, so God declares that He will find and nourish them back to health. But He will not stop there. Healing their wounds is not enough; God will restore order and make the family whole again.

Down and Up

In Ezekiel 34, we see a foreshadowing of things to come, realized in John 10:1-18. There is hope for those who have lost all hope. When the shepherds failed, God the Father sent the only one who could restore the relationship with His children and establish His house forever—His Son, Jesus. Jesus came down to His people, born among them to be one of their own. He tended to the lost, broken, enslaved, and hurting. Jesus is the fulfillment of the promise of a Good Shepherd.

In John 10:1-18, Jesus reveals He is the Good Shepherd and the door to peaceful pasture, as spoken of in Ezekiel 34. Jesus came down to bring us up!

Peace be with you!

- Pastor Bruce