What responsibilities do we have as "sheep" under God's care in Ezekiel 34:31? Rooted in Ezekiel 34:31 “ ‘You are My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, and I am your God,’ declares the Lord GOD.” Recognize Our Identity • We belong exclusively to the LORD—“My sheep.” • We are continually within His provision—“the sheep of My pasture.” • We live under His absolute authority—“I am your God.” Responsibility #1: Acknowledge Ownership • Yield every area of life to the Shepherd who bought us (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Reject the pull toward self-reliance; sheep prosper only when owned and tended. Responsibility #2: Listen for His Voice • Sheep distinguish their shepherd’s call (John 10:3-4). • Commit to regular intake of Scripture, trusting its complete truthfulness (2 Timothy 3:16). • Test every competing voice against the written Word (Acts 17:11). Responsibility #3: Follow His Lead Practical ways sheep follow: – Immediate obedience to revealed commands (John 14:15). – Directional obedience—moving when He says “go,” staying when He says “wait” (Genesis 12:1-4; Acts 16:6-10). – Moral obedience—refusing paths that lead outside the pasture’s boundaries (Psalm 23:3). Responsibility #4: Depend on His Provision • Trust Him for daily sustenance (Matthew 6:31-33). • Rest in His protection against predators seen and unseen (Psalm 23:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:3). • Accept His discipline as proof of care (Hebrews 12:6-11). Responsibility #5: Live Peaceably with the Flock Ezekiel 34 criticizes “fat sheep” that trample pasture and shove the weak (vv. 17-22). Our charge: • Cultivate humility and gentleness (Ephesians 4:1-3). • Strengthen the weak and wounded among us (Galatians 6:2). • Guard unity, refusing to bite and devour (Galatians 5:15). Responsibility #6: Reflect the Shepherd’s Character • Bear fruit that matches His nature—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). • Serve as visible proof of His goodness to a watching world (Matthew 5:16). • Remain mindful that straying dishonors His name (Isaiah 53:6; 1 Peter 2:25). Responsibility #7: Hope in His Ultimate Care • Look forward to the day when the “Chief Shepherd” appears (1 Peter 5:4). • Persevere through present hardships, knowing a perfect pasture is coming (Revelation 7:16-17). • Encourage one another with this assured future (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Summary Checklist for Daily Living □ Start the day acknowledging “I am Yours.” □ Read or recall His Word, tuning your ear to His voice. □ Ask, “Where are You leading today?” and follow. □ Trust Him for needs and protection; refuse anxious grasping. □ Seek the good of fellow sheep. □ Make choices that mirror His holiness. □ Anchor hope in His promised return. Staying mindful of these responsibilities keeps us safely within the Shepherd’s pasture, bringing honor to “our God” who calls us His very own. |
    |