Tuesday 15 April 2008

Background

In contrast to the first part of the chapter (in yesterday's reading) the prophet seems to have changed hisimagery a bit. No longer is it God who is the true shepherd, butthere is a special chosen one who will fulfil that role. This islooking back to the good old days when David was king.

Ezekiel is certainly casting a glance back to when God's peoplewere great and when memories were of a peaceful time lived in God'sway. There is also a hope for the future when all will be restored- even, it has been suggested by some, that David himself wouldcome back from the dead.

For Christians, mention of David leads to thoughts of the one "bornof David's line" (2Timothy 2:8), of a messianic ruler - the Messiah - Jesus.

But the final verse of today's reading draws it all together. Thereis still the language of sheep and pasture, but we hear theproclamation that "You are my sheep… and I am your God". Here is anecho of the covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34)- the relationship between human beings and God.

To Ponder

How easy do you find it to think of a future whenall will be peaceful - especially when we consider the state of theworld today?

Do you think you keep to your side of therelationship with God as well as you could? What are you going todo about it?