Ezekiel 34-38

“I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak …” (34:16). Israel’s “shepherds” – religious and political leaders – had enriched themselves and harmed people. In contrast, God wanted to be Israel’s true King, the Good Shepherd who would seek the lost and heal those who suffered. Even more, He promised through the Messiah to bring real transformation. “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” (36:26).

“I will remove the heart of stone … and give you a heart of flesh” (36:26). Rather than helping us follow the rules, Jesus came to transform our very hearts.