Broadcast
The Good Shepherd - Part 3
Ezekiel 34:14
04/17/2024
14 ``I will feed them with good pasture, and on the
mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing
land. There they shall lie down in good grazing
land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the
mountains of Israel.'' (ESV)
Ezekiel, as given the message from God, proclaimed hope and
comfort for the children of Israel who were exiled in Babylon.
They had been failed by both the rulers and the religious
leaders. They had been enticed from the truth of God's love to
the worship of worthless idols. They were given religious
burdens rather than the peace of God.
Now they were longing for the day they could return to
Jerusalem. God's promise was not only about the restoration of
Judah, but of His Son being the Good Shepherd of the flock, the
people of God.
``I will feed them with good pasture, and on the
mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land.
There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on
rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of
Israel.''
Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who gave His life for the
redemption of His flock. While Ezekiel's words remind us of the
Twenty-Third Psalm, they also are a reminder of Jesus' words.
``Take and eat, this is My body given for you for the forgiveness
of your sins. Take and drink, this is My blood, shed for you.''
Why does our Lord and Savior bestow upon us the forgiveness
of our sins and the promise of everlasting life? Is it because
we are particularly good sheep? No, it is because of His love,
His grace, and His mercy.
This promise is for you. God has said that He longs for us
to return to Him, to trust in Him, and to receive His love. May
our Lord richly bless you with the comfort that He is our
Shepherd who cares for us. Amen.