I Will Shepherd My Sheep

In Ezekiel 34 this week we hear how when the shepherds of Israel do not shepherd their flock the sheep suffer and are scattered. However, the Lord is jealous for his sheep, and he himself seeks them out and rescues them. The Lord himself will be their shepherd. But it is not only the shepherds who come under the judgment of God. The sheep themselves push and shove against one another, leaving the weak and lean to fend for themselves. Again, the Lord himself comes and judges between sheep and sheep, rescuing his flock and setting in place 'one shepherd' to feed them and be their shepherd - 'my servant David'. He will not let his sheep suffer and be scattered forever.
The announcement of the Lord's appointed shepherd heralds a turning point in Ezekiel - the time of restoration and hope is at hand. This shepherd shall be prince among the people. He will establish a covenant of peace and there will be showers of blessings for the sheep of his pasture. This is none other than Christ himself - the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. Thanks be to God, who shepherds us when no one else can or will.