EZEKIEL 34
The watchman serves the people in times of danger, but the shepherd cares for them day after day; and we need both. The civil and religious leaders were expected to shepherd the nation by feeding them, uniting them, and protecting them from enemies. But Israel’s leaders exploited the flock in order to feed themselves, scattered the flock, and failed to protect the flock from danger. See Acts 20 for Paul’s example of faithful shepherding.
One day God will seek His people and bring them back to their land, and He will be their shepherd. Note the “I will” statements in this message, and see what assurance they bring to hearts even today.
Today, Jesus Christ is the Great Shepherd of the sheep (Heb. 13:20–21), and He cares for His own. He sends “showers of blessing” on the dry land and makes it into a garden (vv.