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Week 37 Being ‘Others Focused’ (Ezekiel 34 & 37). Ezekiel 34. Why are people compared to sheep? dependent creatures not very bright prone to wandering and getting lost unable to find their way to a shepherd even when they are in sight dirty animals extremely skittish and fearful
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Ezekiel 34 Why are people compared to sheep? • dependent creatures • not very bright • prone to wandering and getting lost • unable to find their way to a shepherd even when they are in sight • dirty animals • extremely skittish and fearful • in need of guidance
Ezekiel 34 Why are people compared to sheep? People are also compared to shepherds • Moses • David • Jesus Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their Shepherd; ‘He will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’
Ezekiel 34 Sheep shepherding one another • Jesus challenged Peter to fulfill his love for Him: John 21:15-17 “Feed My lambs” … “Take care of My sheep” … “Feed My sheep” • Ephesians 4 “office gifts”
Ezekiel 34 Bad shepherds • Only take care of themselves and their desires • Have not strengthened the weak; healed the sick; or bound up the injured • Have not brought back strays or searched for the lost • Lack of concern
Ezekiel 34 Bad shepherds • Jeremiah 10:21(NLT) The shepherds of my people have lost their senses. They no longer seek wisdom from the Lord. Therefore, they fail completely, and their flocks are scattered.
Ezekiel 37:1-14 • Connected to the same dialog/thoughts of chap. 34 • Dry bones- dead for a very long time • Dry bones = spiritual deadness • Breath entering = spiritual renewal
God can raise us from spiritual death!He can raise us to care, serve, and shepherd one another