Ezekiel 34:1-10 And the word of the LORD came to me, saying,… I. CHRISTIAN MINISTERS AS SHEPHERDS HAVE DEVOLVING UPON THEM THE CARE OF CHRIST'S FLOCK. Believers are exposed to many evils, surrounded by numerous enemies, liable to many wants and diseases. To promote their comfort and safety, God sends His servants to take the oversight, and care for them as shepherd for flock. II. CHRISTIAN MINISTERS AS SHEPHERDS MUST FEED THEIR FLOCKS. 1. They must do this by leading them into green pastures, etc. (1) The pastures of the Divine word. Where there is an exhaustless fulness and variety of refreshing promises. (2) The pastures of Divine ordinances. 2. The shepherd is to render the word instructive and consolatory, and the ordinances refreshing and edifying. III. CHRISTIAN MINISTERS AS SHEPHERDS ARE TO WATCH OVER THEIR FLOCKS. To warn them against danger, — to admonish, to counsel, and to direct them into safe and plain paths. Their dangers are numerous. From the world, from Satan, from false professors, from their own weakness, etc. How necessary, then, is a spirit of holy energy, vigilance, etc. IV. CHRISTIAN MINISTERS AS SHEPHERDS ARE TO REGARD ESPECIALLY THE WEAK AND AFFLICTED OF THE FLOCK. "Who can understand his errors?" How often is spiritual disease evident in the mind, in the heart, in the spirit, in the conversation, in the walk and conduct! Now it is for the shepherd to labour for the healing of these maladies. V. CHRISTIAN MINISTERS AS SHEPHERDS MUST GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF THEIR FLOCKS. They are responsible to God. Application — 1. How truly solemn is the office of the Christian shepherd — the charge of souls. 2. How necessary for its right discharge are Divine qualifications and help. 3. Faithful shepherds should have the kind sympathy and aid of all the members of the Church. 4. How glorious the meeting when all the flock of God, with each shepherd, shall appear before Christ to receive His blessing, even life for evermore. (J. Burns.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, |
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