https://odb.org/MY/2023/02/07/the-good-shepherd-2
Ezekial 34:11-19 has been interpreted before as being fulfilled with the establishment of the state of Israel in 1947 as the scattered tribes of Israel were gathered back to the land of Israel from all over the world. It proved that the LORD God was indeed a good shepherd, ensuring His sheep were taken care of and reunited in the land given to their forefathers during the time of Abraham and later after their liberation from Egypt by Moses with Joshua and Caleb leading them after 40 years in the wilderness. The creation of Israel is a big picture of God’s sovereign will and plans and has also been interpreted as the precursor to the second coming of Christ and the great tribulation and the end of age. That is why it is believed that these are end times and our generation may live long enough to see the second coming.
How does Ezekial 34 impact us on the spiritual front? How should we react to Ezekial 34? I guess we are all aware that God is a good shepherd for His people, His flock. Jesus Himself proclaimed that He is the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14) and that His sheep will hear His voice (John 10:27). There is no doubt that Christ had gone through great lengths to reach out to us when we were lost and will do the same again if we are ever lost again.
But I think the pertinent point for us as believers is instead to be a good sheep. Don’t get lost again! Instead, we recognise His voice and listen out for Him. We follow Him and go to Him when He calls. We try our utmost best to lessen His work so that He need not drop everything and go running after us. We don’t get distracted and get led astray by bright and fancy lights. We don’t wander off the beaten path to explore new greener pastures on our own. The grass will always look greener on the other side, but unless the Shepherd leads us there, we must not go. Can we be good, obedient, and compliant sheep who seek to only accomplish the will of the shepherd and who give the least headache to Him? It is my hope and prayer that I and all of us will be good sheep for 2023 so that we will truly live in the centre and glory of His will for us!
Ronnie's Thoughts 