Search and Rescue
Ezekiel 34:11-12: "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
The prophet Ezekiel spoke God's word while the nation of Israel was in exile. Just as God had forewarned through the prophets, the rebellion and disobedience of the Israelites resulted in judgment as the nation of Babylon conquered Judah. Thousands of Israelites were exiled. Ezekiel spoke and prophesied to these exiled people.
This chapter begins with the Lord's chastisement of the religious leaders of Israel. Instead of focusing on the care of the nation, they focused on themselves. These leaders failed to protect those entrusted to them, failed to teach the way of the Lord, and failed to model true faithfulness to the Lord. Idolatry, disobedience, and corruption consumed the nation of Israel - the leaders and the people - resulting in judgement and exile.
After these harsh words to the leaders, Ezekiel spoke words of hope to the people. Their shepherds had failed them; the religious leaders had not cared for them or nurtured them in the faith. However, God never turned a blind eye. He saw the corrupt practices of the religious leaders, and he would now become their trustworthy leader, their faithful and loving Shepherd.
In their place of exile, the Lord said he would come to them; he would seek them out and rescue them. There would come a time when they were not the scattered people of God but the restored people of God. What great news Ezekiel had for those exiles! There was hope that the clouds of darkness and judgement would one day dissipate and the nation of Israel could once again live and worship as God's people.
We certainly can understand the failure of leaders in our world today. Instead of leading us in God's ways, many of our leaders have led for their own selfish gain, promoting their own selfish agenda. It is time for us to look to our Good Shepherd who always sees his sheep. He alone can seek us out and rescue us from the sin, corruption, and decay of this world. May we look to him and put our hope in him.
Reflection:
How do you deal with your disappointment in earthly leaders? How can you shift your focus away from these earthly leaders so that you can see our heavenly leader?
The prophet Ezekiel spoke God's word while the nation of Israel was in exile. Just as God had forewarned through the prophets, the rebellion and disobedience of the Israelites resulted in judgment as the nation of Babylon conquered Judah. Thousands of Israelites were exiled. Ezekiel spoke and prophesied to these exiled people.
This chapter begins with the Lord's chastisement of the religious leaders of Israel. Instead of focusing on the care of the nation, they focused on themselves. These leaders failed to protect those entrusted to them, failed to teach the way of the Lord, and failed to model true faithfulness to the Lord. Idolatry, disobedience, and corruption consumed the nation of Israel - the leaders and the people - resulting in judgement and exile.
After these harsh words to the leaders, Ezekiel spoke words of hope to the people. Their shepherds had failed them; the religious leaders had not cared for them or nurtured them in the faith. However, God never turned a blind eye. He saw the corrupt practices of the religious leaders, and he would now become their trustworthy leader, their faithful and loving Shepherd.
In their place of exile, the Lord said he would come to them; he would seek them out and rescue them. There would come a time when they were not the scattered people of God but the restored people of God. What great news Ezekiel had for those exiles! There was hope that the clouds of darkness and judgement would one day dissipate and the nation of Israel could once again live and worship as God's people.
We certainly can understand the failure of leaders in our world today. Instead of leading us in God's ways, many of our leaders have led for their own selfish gain, promoting their own selfish agenda. It is time for us to look to our Good Shepherd who always sees his sheep. He alone can seek us out and rescue us from the sin, corruption, and decay of this world. May we look to him and put our hope in him.
Reflection:
How do you deal with your disappointment in earthly leaders? How can you shift your focus away from these earthly leaders so that you can see our heavenly leader?
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