This is our third and final full week in the book of Ezekiel. The first part of the book dealt with the terrible results of Israel’s and the surrounding nation’s sins. The first chapter in this week’s reading (33) deals with the conclusion of God’s judgment against Jerusalem. Chapter 34 begins a new section through the end of the book where God speaks of hope for His people, the nations, and ultimately all creation. There will be a new Temple and new Creation, and God will dwell with His people there. Furthermore, God likens the evil rulers to bad shepherds that will be dealt away with, however, He will care for His sheep or people. The earth will be restored to a paradise like the Garden of Eden for God’s children to enjoy in His presence. All this happens, not with the help of God’s people, but rather in spite of their deadness. God will raise dead bones into a people for Himself. This should be astonishing, and it also should remind us of Christ who called Himself the ‘good shepherd,’ and commissioned His followers to ‘go and make disciples.’ This is the Big Picture.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading Links - Week 48
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament, starting with the beginning. How do we understand so many stories and lessons while trying to stick to the "sacred timeline"? The answer is the big picture. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Ezekiel, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
Read Matthew 28:16-20. What are the commands given in this text? Read John 13:34-35. How does Jesus identify His followers?
Read John 21:17. What command does Jesus give Peter, after the question, ‘Do you love me?’ Which comes first, loving Christ or obedience to Him? Read Ezekiel 34:2-4. How were the ‘shepherds’ of Israel different from Jesus’ command to Peter?
Read John 15:26 and John 16:7-8. Who will Jesus send and for what purpose? Read Ezekiel 34:10-13. Who will save the sheep?
Read Ezekiel 34:22-24. How does God save the sheep and judge between the sheep? Read John 10:14-18, 25-30. How is Jesus, ‘my servant David?’
Read 2 Samuel 7:16-17. What did God promise David about a thousand years before Jesus?
SHARE IT.
Read Ezekiel 34:31. What does it mean to you to be God’s sheep?
Read Ezekiel 20:14. Read Psalm 23:1-3. God has tied His name to the redemption He brings about in His sheep or people. How does “for His name’s sake” deepen what it means to be God’s sheep?
Read Ezekiel 36:25-27. What are some of the descriptions of a person God has changed? How have you changed since being saved? Has God shown you any areas that you might need help aligning with His word?
Read Ezekiel 36:37. Who are you asking for God to bring into His flock? Who is it that you are praying for their salvation?
Read Ezekiel 37:10-14. What promise does God make in these verses? How do you respond to the promises of God that feel impossible?
FINAL THOUGHT
Christ identifies Himself as the good shepherd in John 10:11. Jesus is the shepherd promised in Ezekiel, who calls out to the lost sheep and they hear Jesus’ voice and come to Him. Jesus promises that He will not lose one of His sheep, or that none will be snatched out of His hand. He promises to lead His sheep into a land where they will dwell securely forever, and ultimately this is a picture of the new heavens and new earth. This same Jesus commissions His followers to take His message to other lost sheep that will respond to His message. Jesus also says that our love for other believers will be evidence of our love for Him (John 13:34-35). Jesus saves us, empowers us, and brings others to Himself through the part He has gifted us to play. Our love for the Lord cannot be separated from our love for one another or our obedience to Him through the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).
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