God loves those who oppose Him; those who rebel against His laws; those who ignore and disobey Him. He loves even though He promises to judge; even though He promises to punish sinners. We should love those opposed to God because He does. One indication of His concern is expressed when God spoke through His prophet: "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel." Ezekiel 33:11
In the following chapter, God expresses His anger with those who should have been spiritual leaders of Israel and His deep concern for His people. The leaders were to act as shepherds over the people, caring for, spiritually feeding, spiritually leading the people of Israel. But they failed them and cared only for their own welfare and comfort. Ezekiel 34:1 - 6
So the Great Shepherd, who loves his sheep even when they stray, promises to care for them. "I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep." Ez. 34:11
No wonder that Jesus described himself as the Good Shepherd who would even die for the sake of His sheep. (John 10) For in Ezekiel the Good Shepherd is promised, the one who would be in the line of David. (Ezekiel prophesied several hundred years after David.) "I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd." Ez. 34:23
Most of the world lives far removed from pastures, sheep and shepherds. Fifty percent of the world, I read recently, lives in urban settings. Yet we need to cultivate an appreciation for the shepherd and sheep relationship. It is a favourite biblical picture of God's special love and care for His sheep, for His people, for you!
In the following chapter, God expresses His anger with those who should have been spiritual leaders of Israel and His deep concern for His people. The leaders were to act as shepherds over the people, caring for, spiritually feeding, spiritually leading the people of Israel. But they failed them and cared only for their own welfare and comfort. Ezekiel 34:1 - 6
So the Great Shepherd, who loves his sheep even when they stray, promises to care for them. "I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep." Ez. 34:11
No wonder that Jesus described himself as the Good Shepherd who would even die for the sake of His sheep. (John 10) For in Ezekiel the Good Shepherd is promised, the one who would be in the line of David. (Ezekiel prophesied several hundred years after David.) "I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd." Ez. 34:23
Most of the world lives far removed from pastures, sheep and shepherds. Fifty percent of the world, I read recently, lives in urban settings. Yet we need to cultivate an appreciation for the shepherd and sheep relationship. It is a favourite biblical picture of God's special love and care for His sheep, for His people, for you!
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