How does Ezekiel 34:16 illustrate God's care for the lost and broken? Text of Ezekiel 34:16 “I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the sick, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.” Backdrop of the Passage • Ezekiel 34 confronts Israel’s leaders—“shepherds” who fed themselves instead of the flock (vv. 2–4). • God personally steps in as the true Shepherd (vv. 11–15), promising protection, provision, and righteous rule. • Verse 16 crystallizes His heart for every hurting sheep. Phrase-by-Phrase: God’s Personal Ministry • Seek the lost – God initiates the rescue. – Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” – Luke 15:4–7 shows the Shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to find one wandering sheep. • Bring back the strays – Restoration, not mere rescue. – Isaiah 53:6 reminds us “we all like sheep have gone astray,” yet God gathers us home (John 10:16). • Bind up the broken – Healing the wounded in body, mind, and spirit. – Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18—Messiah’s mission to “bind up the brokenhearted.” • Strengthen the sick – Ongoing care that fortifies weak believers. – Matthew 12:20: “A bruised reed He will not break.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9—His power is perfected in weakness. • Destroy the sleek and the strong – Judgment on arrogant, self-sufficient leaders who oppress others (James 4:6). – God defends the vulnerable by humbling the proud (Psalm 147:6). • Shepherd them with justice – Perfect balance of mercy and righteousness. – John 10:11—Jesus lays down His life, proving the just love promised here. Jesus: The Good Shepherd Fulfilling Ezekiel 34 • John 10 echoes this chapter word for word: He calls His sheep by name, leads them out, and gives abundant life. • Hebrews 13:20 calls Him “that great Shepherd of the sheep.” • Revelation 7:17—He will shepherd His flock forever, wiping away every tear. Comfort and Challenge for Believers Today • No wound is too deep, no wandering too far—He still seeks, heals, and strengthens. • Those entrusted with leadership must mirror His shepherd-heart, not exploit the flock (1 Peter 5:2–4). • Trust His justice when wrongs seem unpunished; the Good Shepherd rights every score in His time. |
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