ANSWERING A QUESTION
ANSWERING A QUESTION
Several days ago a friend asked me to explain Ezekiel chapter 34. The first part of the chapter is straight forward and easy to understand. Israel had sinned and the pastors were partly to blame. The shepherds were lazy and corrupt and had neglected the flock of God. Therefore God was against the shepherds and would hold them accountable for the flock (Ez. 34:1-22).
The difficult part of the chapter, at least for me, begins with verse 23. “I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David and he will tend them; he will tend them and be their shepherd. I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David will be prince among them. I the Lord have spoken. I will make a covenant of peace with them and rid the land of wild beasts so that they may live in the desert and sleep in the forests in safety. I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing. The trees of the field will yield their fruit and the ground will yield its crops; the people will be secure in their land. They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslaved them. They will no longer be plundered by the nations, nor will wild animals devour them. They will live in safety, and no one will make them afraid. I will provide for them a land renowned for its crops, and they will no longer be victims of famine in the land or bear the scorn of the nations. Then they will know that I, the Lord their God, am with them and that they, the house of Israel], are my people, declares the Sovereign Lord. You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are people, and I am your God, declares the Sovereign Lord’” (Ez. 34:23-31).
Understanding all that this “Covenant of Peace” involves is not easy. Even the scholars do not agree. Since I am not a scholar and my comments about it are therefore not dogmatic. In fact, even tough I was asked for my opinion, I am uncomfortable even writing down these thoughts. While I believe this covenant was realized in the church, I take refuge in the fact that sometimes Scriptures have more than one fulfillment. Hosea 11:1 is a classic example: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt have I called my son”. Hosea obviously referred to the nation of Israel being called out of Egypt in the days of Moses. Centuries later, however, Matthew was inspired to apply the same Scripture to Jesus being called out of Egypt after the death of Herod (Matt. 2:15). While these thoughts represent my best understanding at this time, perhaps at some future time God will give me a greater and more accurate understanding.
Let us begin by including a covenant predicted by Jeremiah in our study. Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel lived at the same time. Both prophesied about the Babylonian Captivity. Both also prophesied about a new covenant. Here are the words of Jeremiah regarding the “new covenant”he predicted: “The time is coming” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them.” declares the Lord. This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying ‘know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jer. 31:31-34).
Since both Ezekiel and Jeremiah prophesied about covenants at the same time it only makes sense to consider them together. It is my “opinion,” at this time, that both covenants became a reality with the establishing or the church (Acts 2).
While these two prophets prophesied at the same time, they were in different locations. Jeremiah prophesied in Jerusalem. He is known as the “Weeping Prophet”. He warned that Jerusalem was going to be destroyed and wept when it came to pass. When he saw his beloved city covered with ashes and wet with human blood he cried out: “Is it nothing to you all you who pass by? Look around and see. Is any suffering like my suffering that was inflicted on me, that the Lord brought on me in the day of his fierce anger?” (Lam. 1:12).
Ezekiel prophesied many miles away in Babylon. God revealed to him the many sins of Judah which began in the Temple. God even transported Ezekiel to Jerusalem in a vision so he could see with his own eyes the depravity of his own people (Ez. 8). The idolatrous behavior of Judah resulted in every kind of evil. It began in the temple but ultimately contaminated the whole nation. Even the common man worshiped idols and committed all manner of sins including defiling his neighbor’s wife (Ez. 23:25,26). As we have said, the pastors had abandoned the flock of God and thought only of themselves (Ex. 34:1-19).
At the time Ezekiel and Jeremiah prophesied the people of God were divided. The Northern Kingdom was composed of ten tribes and was known as Israel, or Ephraim. It was conquered by Assyria in 722 B.C. The Southern Kingdom was composed of two tribes and was known as Judah. It was conquered by Babylon in 586 B.C. Both prophets envisioned a time when these two kingdoms would be united. They both envisioned that some day there would only be One Shepherd and One Fold. This, of course, happened in the church. Not only were Israel and Judah united into one body, but also the gentiles (Eph. 2:11-22).
In Ezekiel’s vision the one shepherd was David. Ezekiel predicted that David would “tend them and be their shepherd”. As we will show, this was figurative language. It was “spiritually” true but not “literally” true. The word “David” means “Beloved”. Thus it was the “Beloved” Jesus Who tended the flock of God. The prophecy of Ezekiel was similar to the words of Jesus to Martha when He said: “Whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (Jn. 11:26). This was not “physically” true. Martha did die along with every other follower of Jesus. The statement is absolutely true, however, when viewed “spiritually”. There is a sense in which to be with God is life, and to be separated from God is death. Adam and Eve, for example, died “spiritually” on the very day they ate the forbidden fruit (Gen. 2:17). On that very day they were separated from God. Adam did not die “physically”, however, until he was 930 years old (Gen. 5:5). Paul used the same spiritual language when he warned that a widow who lived for please is “dead even while she lives” (1 Tim. 5:6). Spiritual language is common in the Scriptures!
I also believe that other promises regarding the flock of God are figurative. In Ezekiel 34:23-30 there are many promises about the peace and blessings of God’s people. This “peace,” however, was “spiritual” and not “physical”. Jesus promised peace to His disciples, but it would not be peace as the world gives (Jn. 14:27). Jesus explained: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn.
16:332). So in a spiritual sense the “Covenant of Peace” did indeed become a reality. The people of God had peace even while they were persecuted. Jesus was clear that His Kingdom was not of this world (Jn. 18:36) and that the peace He promised was different from worldly peace. In fact, the kingdom of Christ is so different from earthly kingdoms you must be born again in order to see it (Jn. 3:3).
We must guard against the temptation to think that “physical” things are real, and “spiritual” are not. Exactly the reverse is true! Gold and silver are not “true riches” (Lk. 16:9-12). Flesh and blood are only temporary. The “physical” promises to Israel were only temporary. It is the “spiritual” promises that are eternal! The kingdoms of this world are short lived, but the Kingdom of Christ lasts forever!
Later, Ezekiel added another dimension to his prophecies. He said that God promised: “I will give you a new heart and 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” (Ez. 36:26). This promise of a new heart beautifully pictures conversion that came with Christianity. Paul stated emphatically: “. . . if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Cor. 5:17). The “new creation” also manifests the “new covenant” when God writes His laws in our minds and hearts.
WHEN WAS THIS PROPHECY FULFILLED?
It is my personal belief that the “new covenant” and the “covenant of peace” are the same, and as I have said, I also believe that the prophecies about them were fulfilled (at least in part) with the coming of Christ and the establishing of His church. As I have also said, perhaps when Jesus comes again these predictions will be fulfilled in a more literal sense.
To illustrate the spiritual nature of Ezekiel’s prophecy let us return to the promise that David would tend God’s flock and be their shepherd. At the time Ezekiel wrote these words David had been dead for over 400 years. Even if God miraculously raised David from the dead he would still not be able to “tend” God’s sheep that are now scattered all over the world. As I have said, I believe that Jesus, not David, will be the Beloved Shepherd who will tend the flock of God (Jn. 10:1-18). Jesus has already been raised from the dead, not David. Jesus, by means of the Holy Spirit, dwells now in the heart of every true believer. Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who calls every one of God’s sheep by name and they follow Him (Jn. 10:3).
Since David was a prophet, however, he sometimes spoke of himself in the first person when he was actually referring to Christ. On the Day of Pentecost, for example, Peter quoted what David said in the 16th Psalm. On the surface it seems that David was talking about himself, but Peter said he was actually speaking about Christ (See Acts 2:25-31). The words of this inspired apostle should not be taken lightly. Please consider again these words of David: “I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand. I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. . .” (Acts 2:25-27). Peter quoted this psalm and then pointed out the obvious. David was dead and his tomb was with them unto that day. Obviously the body of David saw decay. David was therefore not the “Holy One” referred to in the 16th Psalm. Peter then explained
that David was actually talking about Jesus. Jesus was the “Holy One” whose body did not see corruption, not David. David wrote these words because he was a prophet: “Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ that he was not abandoned to the grave nor did his body see decay” (Acts 2:31).
Similarly, the references to fields, crops, and trees and protection from wild animals can also be understood in a spiritual sense. When Israel entered the Promised Land in the days of Moses, God gave them physical promises: “I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid. I will remove the savage beasts from the land, and the sword will not pass through your country” (Lev. 26:6). No such promises, however, were made to the early church!
New Covenant people are not promised an easy life, nor are they promised physical territory on earth. Quite to the contrary, Paul promised: “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). Instead of dwelling securely in their own land the people of God were driven out of Jerusalem by persecution. They became aliens and strangers in this present world (1 Pet. 2:11). The apostles Peter and John didn’t have any money (Acts 3:1). The Apostle Paul was a prisoner in Rome without even a cloak to keep him warm (2 Tim. 4:13). Yet, even though Paul was a prisoner he saw himself as sitting with Christ in the heavenly realms (Eph. 1:3). Not physically, of course, but spiritually. The early Christians were not laying up treasures on earth, they were laying up treasure in heaven (Matt. 6:19-21). They were seeking for a better country, that is a heavenly one (Heb. 11:16)
So also when Paul warned to beware of dogs, he was not referring animals but to legalistic teachers (Phil. 3:2). Jude also referred to false teachers as “brute beasts” (Jude 10). Paul’s reference to fighting with “wild beasts in Ephesus” is perhaps another reference to spiritual opponents. Truly God protected His sheep from wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15).
The present blessings of this new covenant will pale into insignificance when Jesus comes again!
Like new wine, this new covenant requires new wine skins. Yes! Jesus was born “King of the Jews” but His Kingdom was not of this world. It was not a physical kingdom. It was the “Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt. 4:17). As we have said, His kingdom is so radically different from earthly kingdoms you have to be born again in order to see it (Jn. 3:3). Jesus explained to Pilot: “’My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is not from this place’. ‘You are king then’, then! Said Pilot? Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me’” (Jn. 18:36,37).). Only those devoted to the truth will be able to see this kingdom! It is a spiritual kingdom invisible to the eyes of unbelievers! Please consider the peace His Kingdom brings! It is peace in the midst of tribulation!
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On the night when Jesus was born the angels said: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” (Lk. 2:14).
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Zechariah predicted that Jesus would “guide our feet into the paths of peace” (Lk. 1:79). •
Luke wrote: “You know the message God sent to the people Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ who is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36).
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John the Baptist preached: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matt. 3:2). •
Jesus also preached: “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matt. 4:17).
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Jesus also sent out His disciples to preach the Kingdom of God (Lk. 9:2).
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Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste of death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” (Matt. 16:26).
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Paul wrote: “He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Col. 1:13).
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This kingdom, as we have already pointed out, is not of this world (Jn. 18:36).
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On the night before Calvary Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (Jn. 14:27).
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Jesus continued: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (Jn. 16:33). •
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again” (Jn. 3:3).
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Jesus commanded His disciples to preach this message to all nations (Matt. 28:18-20). •
Paul wrote that the Gospel was bearing fruit “all over the world” (Col. 1:6) and that it had been “proclaimed to every creature under heaven” (Col. 1:23).
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The book of Hebrews teaches that the New Covenant is a reality which believers can now experience (Heb. 8:7-13; 10:15-18).
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When Paul came to Philippi he was unjustly beaten and imprisoned (Acts 16:16-40). Yet he still had peace. When he wrote them a letter from prison it was a letter of triumph filled with 16 references to joy. Further, he confidently promised them: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6,7).
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The letter to the Ephesians is another of Paul’s prison letters. It too stresses the spiritual nature of Christ’s Kingdom. Paul was not a prisoner of Rome, he was a prisoner of Christ (Eph. 3:1). While his body was on earth, his spirit was in “heavenly places”. Please note:
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We are blessed in heavenly places with every spiritual blessing in Christ (1:3).
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Christ Himself is seated at the right hand of God in heavenly places (1:20).
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We too are seated with Christ in heavenly places (2:6).
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The church makes known His manifold wisdom to the rulers in heavenly places (3:10). •
Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, authorities, and powers in heavenly places (6:12).
SOMETHING YOU MUST BELIEVE
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists, and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Heb. 11:6).
The promise of “rewards” is an important part of Christ’s message. These “rewards”, however, will not be fully realized until we get to heaven. Please note:
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We can rejoice when we are persecuted because great is our reward in heaven (Matt. 5:12). •
We do our acts of righteousness in secret believing we will be rewarded in heaven (Matt. 6:1-4).
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We pray in secret believing we will be rewarded in heaven (Matt. 6:5-8).
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We fast in secret for the same reason (Matt. 6:16-18).
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Jesus promised a prophet’s reward to those who receive a prophet, a righteous man’s reward when we receive a righteous man, and even those who give a cup of cold water to a disciple of Jesus will not lose his reward (Matt. 10:40-42).
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Just as Moses “by faith” saw Him Who is invisible (Heb. 11:27), we too can keep our eyes upon our King eternal Who is immortal and invisible (1 Tim. 1:17).
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We can even joyfully accept the confiscation of our property on earth because we know that God has promised us better and lasting possessions in heaven (Heb. 10:34).
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Yes! Believing that God will reward those who earnestly seek Him is not an option, it is something you must believe!
(This study was written by Boyce Mouton. No rights are reserved. You are free to use this material in whole or in part for the glorification of Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom)