In what ways can we ensure we are not "wandering over all the mountains"? Anchoring Verse “My flock went astray on all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole face of the earth, and no one searched or looked for them.” (Ezekiel 34:6) Seeing the Picture Ezekiel Paints • Sheep meant to graze in secure pastures have wandered to dangerous heights. • They are scattered—exposed to predators and starvation. • There is no shepherd in sight to guide, protect, or gather them. What Wandering Looks Like in Daily Life • Chasing ever-shifting cultural ideas instead of settled biblical truth. • Neglecting regular time in Scripture and prayer. • Drifting from committed fellowship and accountability in a local church. • Entertaining sin that promises freedom but delivers bondage (John 8:34). • Substituting self-reliance for dependence on Christ. God’s Remedy: A Faithful Shepherd • “I will rescue My flock… I will pasture them…” (Ezekiel 34:12-15). • Jesus fulfills this promise: “I am the good shepherd… I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:11, 14). • His voice leads, protects, and satisfies: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27). Practical Ways to Keep from Wandering Stay close to the Shepherd • Daily read and meditate on His Word; let it light your path (Psalm 119:105). • Respond immediately to conviction; confess and turn (1 John 1:9). Stay with the flock • Commit to a Bible-believing local church; gather consistently (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Welcome shepherding from godly leaders: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls.” (Hebrews 13:17). Guard against false trails • Test every teaching by Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Flee voices that minimize Christ’s authority or distort the gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). Cultivate mutual care • Share burdens; gently restore those who stumble (Galatians 6:1-2). • Speak truth in love, so “we will no longer be infants… tossed by the waves” (Ephesians 4:14-15). Walk by the Spirit • “Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25). • Yield to His promptings; He never leads away from Scripture. Stand alert • “Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion.” (1 Peter 5:8). • Put on the full armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:10-18). Encouraging Closing Thought The Shepherd who sought you at the cross keeps you today. Stay close to His voice, remain within the fellowship He provides, and your feet will find sure footing—far from the peril of wandering over all the mountains. |
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