Ezekiel 33-34

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

The following two chapters talk a lot about “Watchmen”, “Prophets” and “Pastors”. One important thing to know about the LDS Church is that we believe that there exist Modern Day Prophets! Just like in the days of Moses, today we have a Living Prophet. When you have a Prophet on the Earth, you also have God’s True Church on the Earth.

Today we have thousands of churches, with dozens of different teachings… but you must remember that God is one. His teachings are one. Therefore He will only have one Prophet. Because of the confusion of the world, we see many “prophets”, unfortunately many of the churches in the world are built for gain, and therefore you have “Pastors” lining their pockets, and not returning anything to the people. The Lord commands that we “feed his flock” and that Authorized Prophets of the Lord, raise a warning to the people.

Chapter 33: Watchmen raise a voice of warning

In chapter 33, we learn once again about the importance of the “watchman”, otherwise known as a prophet. Those who in the wrath and destruction of God, listen to the counsel and words of an Authorized Prophet of God shall be saved from that wrath and destruction. However, if a man does not listen to the words of God’s Authorized Prophet then the sin and blood will be upon that man’s head.

We learn something interesting, if the Authorized Prophet of God, does not warn the people to repent or change their ways… the blood, sin and destruction will fall upon the head of the Prophet. However, if the Prophet does his job and preaches and warns the people and the people do not listen… the Prophet is free from the sins of the people. The blood, sin and destruction will not befall him.

The Lord speaks to Ezekiel (who is an Authorized Prophet of God) and tells him; “…if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou has delivered thy soul.” (Ezekiel 33:9) This can be applied to not only Authorized Prophets of God, but also those who preach the Gospel: Bishops, Missionaries…etc.

Ezekiel receives news of the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Chaldeans. The hypocrisy and abominations of the people are recounted. When the Lord is destroying these hypocrites, they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Chapter 34: Feed my flock

The word of the Lord came unto Ezekiel. The Lord tells Ezekiel that He is not pleased with how the “shepherds” are handling His flock. By Shepherds, I believe the Lord is referring to “pastors”, who are essentially taking gain for their preaching and not returning the money or goods to the people.

“…Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherd feed the flocks?” (Ezekiel 34:2).

The Lord then sets an example; “…Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.” (Ezekiel 34:11) This is the Lord speaking about Missionary Work… we must be constantly seeking those in need of God and to help them along their journey in life.