Ezequiel 34:16

DISCOURSE: 1114
CHRIST’S EXECUTION OF HIS PASTORAL OFFICE

Ezequiel 34:16. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and. the strong; I will feed them with judgment.

THERE is no office under heaven so important as that of ministering unto men the Gospel of Christ. But, alas! its importance is but too little felt, and its duties are too negligently performed [Note: See ver. 2–10.]. There is, however, one Shepherd, whose care and vigilance are without intermission. He it is, who, many hundred years before he came into the world, spake by the prophet, and declared the manner in which he would execute his office [Note: ver. 23.].

In the words before us we see,

I. The different states of Christ’s sheep—

[All are considered as the sheep of Christ, who by name and profession belong to him, as well “the fat and the strong, who shall be destroyed,” as those who shall be saved [Note: João 10:16.].

All without exception, while in their natural state, are “lost,” straying from God, and ignorant of the way in which alone they can return to his fold [Note: Isaías 53:6.]. Some feel an inclination to enjoy his benefits, and at times resolve that they will turn from their evil ways: but they are “driven away” by the violence of their passions or the fear of man.

Of those that have been brought home to the fold, many, like David, are complaining of griefs and sorrows, more painful than a “broken” bone [Note: Salmos 51:8.]. And all are “sick” of sin, that lothesome malady which pervades all their powers both of body and soul, and incapacitates them for serving God as they would wish to do [Note: Romanos 7:18; Romanos 7:21; Romanos 7:23.Gálatas 5:17.].

There are too many, alas! who are “fat and strong,” in their own conceit [Note: It is in this sense that our Lord speaks of “the whole,” and “the righteous.” Mateus 9:12.]. Were they really in good condition, they should not be “destroyed.” But, like the Laodiceans of old [Note: Apocalipse 3:17.], they deceive themselves; being really destitute of all wisdom, goodness, and strength, in exact proportion as they fancy themselves possessed of these things.]

II.

The correspondent dealings of Christ with them—

[Though in many instances our Lord displays his sovereignty in stopping the progress of most grievous sinners, while he suffers persons of more amiable deportment to wander further from him [Note: Atos 9:1; Marcos 10:21.], yet all are to expect that he will deal with them in a perfect correspondence with their character.

He came from heaven in human flesh, and still comes in the preaching of his Gospel, to “seek” and save “that which was lost.” And if any, who have been “driven away” by the force of temptation or persecution, are desirous to put themselves under his care, he will gladly bring them to his fold, and protect them from every inward or outward foe [Note: ver. 11–15, with João 10:10; João 10:28.].

As for those who are already in his fold, he will administer to all their wants, “binding up” the broken-hearted [Note: Isaías 61:1; Isaías 61:3.], and “renewing the strength” of those who are ready to faint [Note: Isaías 40:29.]. By the efficacy of his word, and the consolations of his Spirit, he will turn their sorrows into joy [Note: Isaías 35:1; Isaías 35:10.]: and his grace shall be sufficient for them under all the trials they may be called to endure [Note: 2 Coríntios 12:9.].

Willing as he is to pardon the very chief of sinners on their repentance, he will awfully punish the impenitent. The proud and self-sufficient, who despise his offers of mercy, shall surely feel his awful displeasure. He will “destroy” them as enemies both to himself and his flock: and, in order to their destruction, he will “feed them with judgment,” giving them up to follow their own delusions, till they shall have completed the measure of their iniquities, and fattened themselves for the sword of his indignation [Note: Salmos 81:11.]. Yes; to eternity shall they eat of the fruit of their own ways [Note: Provérbios 1:31.], and feel the judgments which they would not deprecate [Note: Isaías 50:10.]

Application—
1.

Let us put ourselves under the care of this good Shepherd—

[The more we consider our state the more shall we see, that we are straying, or, at best, diseased sheep. But here is our comfort, that we have a tender and faithful Shepherd that will forgive our wanderings, and supply our wants [Note: Isaías 40:11.]. Let us then return to him, if we are afar off [Note: 1 Pedro 2:25.]; or, if he have brought us to his fold, let us rely upon his care and faithfulness [Note: Salmos 23:1.]

2. Let us imitate him to the utmost of our power—

[Doubtless it is in the first place the duty of ministers to follow the steps of this great Shepherd, because his flock is more immediately committed to their care [Note: If this were the subject of a Visitation or Ordination Sermon, this thought should be prosecuted at some length, in reference to the whole preceding part of the chapter.]. But it is also the duty of every one in his place and station to exert himself to the utmost to enlarge and edify the flock of Christ. And, if we were more diligent in our respective spheres, how many might be reduced from their wanderings, or strengthened in their difficulties, or comforted in their troubles! We know not how useful a word in season might prove. “Let us then, as the elect of God, put on bowels of mercies,” and shew our relation to Christ by our conformity to his image.]