The Character
It is tragic to see stores and restaurants across the world falling victim to Covid-19, and the policies it has fostered. Even more tragic is George Barnas prediction that 1 in 5 American churches may close because of the current pandemic. The thought of losing tens of thousands of churches breaks my heart.
I wonder if Ezekiel felt this way when he pondered the destruction of Jerusalem from his Babylonia exile. I wonder if he ever played a mental game of COULDA-SHOULDA-WOULDA. In Ezekiel 34 the prophet speaks the Word of God to the Sheep, and their Shepherds. Sadly, God was not impressed with either. The good news is God’s plan of restoration. God knows about the coming great shepherd, who will do what the hirelings would not!
Are you willing to pay the price to go where God is calling you?
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”
Jesus healed all who came to Him.
Jesus left the 99.
Jesus said, “I am among you as one who serves.”
Jesus said, “Go to the highways and byways and compel them to come in.”
“The Lord is my shepherd” - King David
“I am the good shepherd” - Jesus
“I have come to seek and save that which was lost” - Jesus
Jesus separates the sheep and the goats.
You eat all the food before everyone arrives. - The Apostle Paul
Don’t bite and devour one another. - The Apostle Paul
David was the type of Christ who was and is to come.
Notes For Personal or Group Reflection:
If you are in leadership what does Ezekiel say to you
If you are a member on The Hill what do you hear Ezekiel saying to you?
Keep your Search Committee and Leadership Board in prayer as they work to discern the Lord’s choice for the next Lead Pastor at The Hill.