I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading. Later this month it will be my wife’s and my 16th anniversary. To celebrate this event I have decided to wish my wife Happy Anniversary for 16 days.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Ezekiel 34-36.

    First, God gave a message to those whom He had appointed as leaders over His people. He condemned them for using their position to enrich themselves while not looking after the flock. I read this passage and feel the anger which God was expressing towards those who had assigned the task of looking after His people. He gave them special privileges and luxuries in order that they might be strengthened to care for His people. Instead of looking after His people and searching for the lost to bring them home, they enjoyed those luxuries and relaxed in comfort. Rather than caring for God’s flock, they took care of themselves. They fed themselves and left God’s sheep to starve. God will hold them responsible.

(Yes, I know that is her birthday cake)

    God has appointed a good shepherd who will care for His sheep. That shepherd is Jesus Christ. However, God has a warning for the sheep as well, because the stronger sheep bullied the weaker sheep and would not let them eat. The condemnation of the stronger, healthier sheep included the fact that they were not content to keep the weaker sheep from the best pasture and best streams. They went beyond keeping the best pasture for themselves. They trampled the pastures where they did not eat and muddied the streams where they did not drink. As I read all of this I am struck about how God is calling us to be sensitive to the needs of those who are less able to care for themselves.

    God’s sheep are scattered all over the earth. Are we willing to go searching for those who are lost? Some of His sheep are starving and sickly, not knowing where to get fed. Are we anxious to welcome them into our pasture and guide them to the most succulent morsels, making sure that they drink fresh, clean water from God’s well? Or to put it another way, are we willing to make sacrifices from our comfortable lives to help those who are lonely and struggling experience the love of God?