Week 35 - Day 1

Ezekiel 33-36; Psalm 128

*Click here to read these passages:

Ezekiel 33-36 YouVersion(NIV)

Psalm 128 YouVersion(NIV)

Watchman and Shepherd

God says once again to Ezekiel that he is a watchman for Israel, just as He did when He first called Ezekiel.  A watchman for the city would stand guard, particularly at night, to watch for threats to the city and would warn the people of impending danger.  A watchman would have to know about the city and care about the city.  A watchman would have to sacrifice by staying awake and alert through the night.  He would put the needs and the lives of those in the city above his own needs and comfort.  Without a good watchman the people of the city could die.

God also tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the shepherds of Israel.  God said the shepherds of Israel were only taking care of themselves.  They would feed and clothes themselves but not take care of the flock.  They would not strengthen the weak or bring back the strays.  Because of this God said He would take over as shepherd.  A shepherd’s job was to feed and water the sheep, to take care of them when they were hurt or weak, sometimes even carrying them, to protect them from dangers, and to keep them all together so none got lost.  A good shepherd would know their sheep well and would love their sheep.  He would put their needs about his own needs and comfort.  Without a good shepherd the sheep might not live. 

Jesus is the ultimate watchman and shepherd for us all.  And we are called to be watchmen and shepherds like Him.  To do that, we must love … and do.  I’ve been reading a book called “Love Does” by Bob Goff, and he talks about how God’s kind of love, the kind of love we should have toward others, does not stop at thoughts and feelings, but takes action.  “Simply put: love does.”