Ezekiel 34 prophesies a stern reprimand to the bad shepherds of Israel over God’s beloved flock, His people. A God ordained shepherd of God’s people has a holy responsibility, in stewardship of his position, to be accountable to God for his actions. A true disciple of Jesus will encourage the “sheep” to learn to know the voice of God for themselves and direct them to the Good Shepherd, Jesus.
In John 10:7 – 16 Jesus not only declares Himself to be the “Door” of the sheepfold by which men come in to Him, but also, “I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and AM KNOWN OF MINE.” John 10:10 That is the goal, to KNOW HIM in a personal relationship. Jesus came to show us the Father, God. Our Heavenly Father desires for us to know Him intimately, to restore His relationship with mankind that was lost after the fall of Adam and Eve. It is every Believer’s birthright. The Good Shepherd redeems and restores from the great storehouse of heaven’s abundance. Jesus said, “………..I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
In Psalm 23 David said, “The Lord is MY shepherd,” not our shepherd. We each have a personal walk with the Lord but He will not allow me to function correctly as an island. He directs and dovetails me into a Body of Believers.
Some Pastors, most certainly not all, have sought to control the people, instead of encouraging them to learn to hear the voice of God for themselves. However, it must also be noted that for some this suited them because they did not want the responsibility of hearing God’s voice personally! Neither position is right. John 10:27, Here Jesus declares, “My sheep hear My voice: and I know them and they follow Me.” This is the Good Shepherd’s desire for me. As I obey the Lord, His voice becomes clearer. His voice becomes distant and eventually silent when I disobey. We have all walked that path at some stage but, thankfully, the Good Shepherd welcomes back repenting sheep who humble themselves.
So, let us be encouraged! As we follow the Good Shepherd and eat from His pastures of goodness, mercy and restoration, His voice will guide our daily steps, bringing peace and order to our chaos and glory to His name. Wonderful Jesus!
PRAYER:
Please help me to remember, Lord, if I don’t consult You, I insult You.
If You are not Lord of all, You are not Lord, at all! Amen
