September 8 - Ezekiel 34-36
Ezekiel begins this passage by delivering a word from the Lord against the shepherds of the people of God, the priests of Israel. God was very angry with them, because they did not care for the people. They only cared for themselves. This is a serious message for all of us who are pastors today. We must not think about ourselves. We must trust God to take care of us, as we devote ourselves to caring for His people. If we don't do that we are damaging the kingdom of God. God will not allow that to happen. He has to stand against anyone who brings disgrace or dishonor to His kingdom. Also, chapter 34 tells us that God cared so much for His people, Israel, that when the priests would not look after the flock, He stepped into that void to tend the flock Himself. That is a great lesson in the compassion of God. He is always faithful.
The rest of this passage is like many of the others we have read in Ezekiel. It tells us that God will destroy those who hate Israel and try to destroy His people. Then, it tells us of His plans to restore the Israelites to the Land after the exile. The unique thing in chapter 36 is God's proclamation that He will give His people a new heart and a new spirit to replace the heart of stone they had from being rebellious. This soft heart would lead them to repent of their sins and follow Him. This is a reference to the new covenant, too. God was not going to restore Israel because of their goodness, but for His name's sake. He always acts in grace toward His people, because we would never deserve His blessings.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 37-39.
The rest of this passage is like many of the others we have read in Ezekiel. It tells us that God will destroy those who hate Israel and try to destroy His people. Then, it tells us of His plans to restore the Israelites to the Land after the exile. The unique thing in chapter 36 is God's proclamation that He will give His people a new heart and a new spirit to replace the heart of stone they had from being rebellious. This soft heart would lead them to repent of their sins and follow Him. This is a reference to the new covenant, too. God was not going to restore Israel because of their goodness, but for His name's sake. He always acts in grace toward His people, because we would never deserve His blessings.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Ezekiel 37-39.