The thrust of Ezekiel 33-34 is guarding and guiding God’s people. Those who are entrusted with leading and feeding the flock have a solemn duty and sacred accountability. Two primary metaphors are used: the sentinel and the shepherd.
We read about THE FAITHFUL SENTINEL WHO IS CONFIRMED, (33:1-33). This is basically a confirmation of Ezekiel’s previous call given in 3:16-21. The words are essentially the same.
This is a reminder of the mandate, (v. 1-9). In the wear and tear of ministry, it is easy to be distracted and diverted from the essentials of our work. We are forgetful people, who need to refocus. The first phase of Ezekiel’s labor that focused on condemnation will now turn to the next phase that will concentrate on consolation. It is a good time for a reminder of the man of God’s stewardship. “Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found faithful,” (1 Cor. 4:2).
We must be wary of the approach of the enemy. Spiritual perils are ever about. The enemy is looking for opportunity to attack. Thus, our mandate is a call to watchfulness.
Further, there is a reinforcement of the message, (v. 10-33). Again, these are truths that have previously been shared. God’s messenger is not searching for something novel. He preaches, “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” (Jude v. 3b).
Our mandate is to warn of spiritual perils, but also to proclaim Scriptural principles. Our mandate is a call to watchfulness, and our message is a charge to witness.
We summon the sinner to repent of sin and to receive the Savior. While Ezekiel was faithful to proclaim the truth, the people stubbornly refused to heed the warning. Thus, the horrifying moment—long predicted—was fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem. The prophet was faithful and fearless, but the people were stubbornly sinful. They would hear the preaching and say, “Amen,” then walk away and do as they pleased.
The blood was off the preacher’s hands and on the people’s heads. The Lord is loving and righteous and holds these attributes in perfect balance. He does not desire to condemn the wicked. But, if they perish, then His justice will be meted out. He shows us the way to life, but if we choose our own path, it will bring our doom, and we cannot say that God is unjust to give us what we want.
From the faithful sentinel who is confirmed, we turn to THE FAITHLESS SHEPHERDS WHO ARE CONFRONTED, (34:1-31). The assignment of the shepherd is to guide the people as he leads them and feeds them. This chapter confronts those failing to fulfill their duty.
Consider first the shepherds who scatter the sheep, (v. 1-10). Rather than feed the flock, the shepherds stuffed themselves. Instead of giving out the Word to aid the sheep, they twisted the truth so the sheep would benefit them. Their focus was on self-indulgence and self-aggrandizement.
A good shepherd will support the weak, bring healing to the sick, bind up the broken, reclaim the straying, and seek the lost. These faithless shepherds were utter failures. They used and abused the sheep. They used them for personal gain and abused them for personal glory. Their motive was carnal and their manner was dictatorial. God will judge such faithless shepherds. A day of reckoning is coming!
The Lord will rescue His sheep. So we observe secondly the Savior who seeks His sheep, (v. 11-31). The Good Shepherd will not lose one of His sheep, (cf. John 10:1-5, 27-30). Men often fail, but the Master does not! He will lead and feed the flock. Oh, may we as shepherds seek to emulate the Good Shepherd, rather than be as these faithless ones!
Ultimately, God will gather His flock. Ezekiel takes us to the last days, where literally Israel will be regathered to their land. Showers of blessing will make the land fruitful. The Lord will reign over them and be their God. David will be their prince. Most commentators see this fulfilled in Jesus, David’s descendant, the Messiah. That is likely. But, it is at least possible that David will be resurrected and reign under the Lord in the earthly Jerusalem, while Christ reigns in the eternal Jerusalem—the city of God come down from heaven to earth. It is an intriguing thought. We do know that as those who are part of the Bride of Christ, we will reign with the Lord. We will be given charge over cities and citizens then based on our faithfulness to God now.
What we certainly know is that a great day is coming. This is the prophetic interpretation. But, we also have a practical illustration. The literal prophecy conveys a spiritual principle. When shepherds faithfully feed and lead the flock, there can be showers of blessing in revival and the church may manifest the fruit of the Spirit and gather a harvest of souls! It is a foretaste of glory divine! May it be so in our day! Recall the old hymn:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.
Chorus: Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
3. There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord!
Grant to us now a refreshing;
Come, and now honor Thy Word.
4. There shall be showers of blessing;
O that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
5. There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.
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