SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 33-36
“I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd.” (Ezekiel 34:23)
Ezekiel laments the failure of Israel to live up to their calling.
Wayward hearts, deaf ears, cruel leaders, wandering sheep… refusing to change.
God uses the nations to discipline them, but He does not give up on them.
One day, David the good shepherd will come, one day God’s people will be restored.
And all the world will know that God is God, that God is good.
David has come: Jesus the Good Shepherd defeated Satan and restored Adam’s throne.
God’s blessings are filling the whole world through Jesus and His followers.
God’s kingdom is coming, and the world is being set right.
Jesus is Who we need, Who the world needs.
We are God’s watchmen, telling people the news, urging them to come to accept Jesus.
As the church, let’s not repeat the failures of the past.
Let us follow David in showing and sharing God’s love and kindness.
That all the world will know that God is God, that God is good!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are my shepherd, I shall lack nothing good. May more people experience You for the good shepherd you are. And may we Your sheep not get in the way.
Observation/Application
The Lord ‘plants’ His own among the people to proclaim His Word but once again, the people have ears and do not hear. The watchman proclaims the Word and those who hear will live by doing His Way for His Way is just and true. All too often the people go their own way thinking that it is the right way. We are here to serve Him and not our own appetites. Word and deeds go together. Hear the Word and do it.
I am not my own but His. I need to live for Jesus. I must live the JOY principle each day so that I may be able to enjoy each day in joy for the joy of the Lord is my strength. He is my Shepherd and Guide and show me the Way to walk – my daily Walk with Him. He takes care of His own for He is with His people. He has promised that.
Know that God is God alone! Listen and do His will. Serve Him.
God gives His people strength.
1. God gives His people strength.
If we believe in His way, He’s swift to repay
All those who bear the burden of the day
God gives His people strength.
2. God gives His people hope
If we but trust in His word, our prayers are always heard
He warmly welcomes anyone who’s erred.
God gives His people hope.
3. God gives His people love
If we but open wide our hearts, He’s sure to do His part
He’s always the first to make a start.
God gives His people love.
4. God gives His people peace.
When sorrow fills us to the brim, and courage grows dim
He lays to rest our restlessness in Him.
God gives His people peace.
Spirit of the living God
Fall fresh on me
Spirit of the living God
Fall fresh on me
Break me, melt me, mold me fill me
Spirit of the living God
Fall fresh on me