Ezekiel 34 reminds me of the parable of the lost sheep. Jesus was speaking to “the tax collectors and sinners“. These were the lowlifes; the people with poor reputations. The religious leaders smugly observed from a distance. Jesus, speaking to both, explains what a good shepherd does about a lost sheep, “Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” When he finds it, “he joyfully puts it on his shoulders“and carries it home and celebrates with his friends over the found lamb. Jesus made His point, “there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7). In today’s chapter Ezekiel is instructed to “prophesy against the shepherds of Israel“. He is not talking about livestock, but about those who lead the people. God describes these corrupt leaders, “only take care of yourselves… clothe yourselves… slaughter the choice animals… not strengthened the weak… or searched for the lost“. Because of their failure, He adds “I… will hold them accountable for My flock… I will remove them… I will rescue My flock from their mouths“. Those in authority can either protect or plunder.
God made it clear, “I Myself will search for My sheep and look after them… I will rescue them… I will bring them out from the nations… I will bring them into their own land… I Myself will tend My sheep… and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak“. He adds, “I will shepherd the flock with justice“. Please understand that justice with God means both perfect Mercy and perfect Righteousness, “See, I Myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep“.Some strays will stray again and some of the mended will show no gratitude, but some of the proud observers will hear His call.
The chapter ends with what appears to be a yet future event. God says of His flock, “I will place over them one shepherd, My servant David… I the Lord will be their God… I will make a covenant of peace with them“. David had been Israel’s second king, more than 400 years earlier. Ezekiel was pointing toward the Messiah. “I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing… when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them… They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid“. Jesus also spoke about the Shepherd of Israel. In John, chapter 10, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep“. “I lay down My life only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord“. How does this matter to us today? In the same passage Jesus also gave clear instruction to all who hear His voice to enter into the safety of His protection. He says He literally lies down and becomes the gate. No one else may enter without going through Him. He said to those outside, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy“, but inside “there shall be one flock and one shepherd“. Friend, who is your shepherd?