In the aftermath of the siege of Jerusalem and the deportation of the people of Judah to Babylon in the 6th century BC, Ezekiel comforted the saints with explanation and promises. He explained that judgment fell on people of God because of the abusive, disobedient shepherds of Judah. Under the metaphor of shepherd, the prophet condemned kings, prophets, and priests of Judah who had failed to serve the people of God as commanded. However, rebuke gives way to promise as the Lord promises to raise up the true shepherd, Jesus Christ, the son of David, to shepherd his church. In view of the the New Testament Scriptures, we know that Christ shepherds his church through the offices he has appointed and through the officers he has gifted and raised up to serve in them. This sermon applies the message of Ezekiel 34 to a newly ordained and installed ruling elder. |
