Main Idea: The heavenly Shepherd cares for His sheep.
A Look at the Text:
The scene shifts significantly in chapters 33 and 34 as foreign nations are no longer the focus and the people of God are back on center stage. With this, two metaphors are brought into view regarding Israel’s leadership.
First, Ezekiel was likened to a watchman in Israel once more (Ezek. 33:1-9).
Surely the sword of the Lord was coming in judgment. If Ezekiel were to warn the people and they didn’t heed his warnings, then their blood would be upon their own heads (Ezek. 33:1-5). Yet, if the watchman were to see the sword coming and fail to warn the people, their blood would be required at his hands (Ezek. 33:7-8).
God’s desire, though, was for the people to heed the warnings. While the people bemoaned their afflicted state (Ezek. 33:10), the Lord cried out that He took no pleasure in the death of the wicked and would rather they turn from their wickedness and live! (Ezek. 33:11).
For God cared for Israel and ultimately desired their good. In a second metaphor, the leaders in Israel were likened to shepherds. Yet tragically, rather than caring for the sheep, they were killing the sheep, clothing themselves in wool and getting fat off their flesh (Ezek. 34:1-3).
As a result, God was against them because they weren’t taking care of His sheep (Ezek. 34:10). Israel belonged to God. In light of this, He promised there would be a day when He would shepherd them (Ezek. 34:15) and, even more, a future David would be their shepherd (Ezek. 34:23-24).
Bringing it Home:
The reason that God continually sent warnings via His prophets was ultimately that He cared for them. He took no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but desired that they would turn from their wickedness and live.
For they were His, the sheep of His pasture. Unlike the leaders in Israel, He desired good for them. Even more, He promised one day that a descendant of David would shepherd them.
In the New Testament, the Lord Jesus describes Himself as the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11). While the leaders in Israel took advantage of the sheep and used them for their own good, the Good Shepherd gave up His life for His sheep.
The Lord’s love for sinful people was proven at Calvary (Rom. 5:8). He has no desire that the wicked die in their wickedness. He made a way for even the most wretched to find forgiveness and newness of life.
The invitation is open. The Shepherd has left behind the ninety-nine in search of the one; they merely have to turn to Him in faith.
Challenge:
Do I seek the good of others or the benefit I can get from them?