Broadcast
The Good Shepherd - Part 1
Ezekiel 34:11-12
04/15/2024
11 ``For thus says the Lord GOD: Behold, I, I myself
will search for my sheep and will seek them out.
12 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.'' (ESV)
The story of ancient Israel was one of political and
religious corruption. After the death of Solomon, the kingdom
split because of inept leadership. The kings looked to foreign
gods, ignoring the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Eventually,
God caused the children of Israel to be exiled in Babylon for
seventy years.
During the Babylonian captivity, the prophet Ezekiel
proclaimed the truth of God to the exiles. He brought them hope,
for he brought them God's Word which proclaimed a restoration.
More so, the message proclaimed by God through Ezekiel looked to
Jesus Christ.
This last Sunday, in the liturgical congregations which use
the historic series of readings, was ``Good Shepherd Sunday.''
The Old Testament reading was from Ezekiel.
``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.''
Throughout the history of the Church, from the earliest days
recorded in the Old Testament, people have turned their backs on
God. They ignored the men God appointed to proclaim His grace,
love, and mercy. In turn, these priests and scribes did not
uphold the Word of God, but allowed and encouraged the people to
worship false gods, to worship in ways and places not according
to God's Word. God, Himself, would have to correct the
situation. The Good Shepherd, the very Son of God, lived, died,
and rose again to seek and save the lost. May our Lord grant us
faith to hold firmly to the Good Shepherd and His gracious gifts.
Amen.