Ezekiel 34-36 Strength

September 10th, Ezekiel 34-36

       As a Pastor, chapter 34 is certainly a cause for reflection about the nature of being a shepherd of God's people.  For those of you who find yourself in the midst of being small group leaders and caregivers in the church, I think all of these words are applicable as well. Care-giving and our own need for care are a delicate balance. Too often care-givers get things turned around and need care from the ones for whom they should be offering it. Issues go up the chain of command, not down it. The difficult thing for some is the next one up the chain of command is God and not another person, thus the phrase "it's lonely at the top." It's a good chapter of evaluation for caregivers!
       36: 25-28 is another in a long line of favorite passages. As much as it is easy to look back into the Old Testament and wonder what is wrong with people, there is one drastic difference between then and now. That difference is the Holy Spirit. In the OT the Holy Spirit is said to come upon people to accomplish specific tasks God has for them, but there is no understand of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in people other than that.
       The NT speaks over and over again about the Holy Spirit taking up residence in our lives. Verse 27 speaks about the Spirit inside causing us to follow God's decrees and statutes. It's a vision of a future day when things will be different. You and I are asked to be filled with the Spirit, to not quench the Spirit and to keep in step with the Spirit. God doesn't dwell in a Temple far away or that is inaccessible. God dwells in our hearts, the power of the Almighty dwelling inside of us.
       Ahhhh, it's a good day. Thanks Lord for your strength inside of me, give me a full awareness of your presence in my life today.