Ezekiel 34-36; Psalm 86; John 12
Shepherds are special people chosen by God for a unique mission—the care of God’s people. But they bear a particular responsibility. God proclaims punishment for the unfaithfulness of the shepherds of Israel: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths. It will no longer be food for them” (Ezek. 34:10). Rejecting the shepherds of Israel, God promises to place one Shepherd over His people—David, a prophecy of the coming Messiah, the Son of David: “I the Lord will be their God. My servant David will be prince among them” (Ezek. 34:24).
God pronounces judgment on Edom and Seir for rejoicing in Israel’s desolation (Ezek. 35).
A detailed prophecy about the future restoration of Israel. Two central truths associated with this:
• God will do it for the sake of Himself and His name (Ezek. 36:22).
• The center of Israel’s restoration will be the transformation of people’s hearts: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” (Ezek. 36:26-27).
Psalm 86
Another prayer, a plea for mercy with confidence in the Lord: “In the day of my trouble I call to You, for You will answer me” (Ps. 86:7). “For You are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God” (Ps. 86:10).
John 12
The triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem took place shortly after the resurrection of Lazarus. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem and located along the road traveled by thousands of pilgrims, many came to see the resurrected man. This led to a sharp rise in Jesus’ popularity. The crowd was ready to recognize Him as King and Messiah.
Yet, despite this, most people did not truly believe in Him: “Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in Him” (John 12:37). In these circumstances, Jesus emphasizes the significance of His Word and the importance of trusting it: “There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not accept My words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day” (John 12:48).
God pronounces judgment on Edom and Seir for rejoicing in Israel’s desolation (Ezek. 35).
A detailed prophecy about the future restoration of Israel. Two central truths associated with this:
• God will do it for the sake of Himself and His name (Ezek. 36:22).
• The center of Israel’s restoration will be the transformation of people’s hearts: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws” (Ezek. 36:26-27).
Psalm 86
Another prayer, a plea for mercy with confidence in the Lord: “In the day of my trouble I call to You, for You will answer me” (Ps. 86:7). “For You are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God” (Ps. 86:10).
John 12
The triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem took place shortly after the resurrection of Lazarus. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem and located along the road traveled by thousands of pilgrims, many came to see the resurrected man. This led to a sharp rise in Jesus’ popularity. The crowd was ready to recognize Him as King and Messiah.
Yet, despite this, most people did not truly believe in Him: “Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in Him” (John 12:37). In these circumstances, Jesus emphasizes the significance of His Word and the importance of trusting it: “There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not accept My words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day” (John 12:48).
Posted in Reading Bible Together