Thrusting and Pushing

"Because you push with side and with shoulder, and thrust at all the weak with your horns until you have scattered them abroad, therefore, I will deliver My flock, and they will no longer be a prey; and I will judge between one sheep and another. –Ezekiel 34:21-22

What sort of pushing and thrusting is the Prophet Ezekiel referring to here? In short, it is anything and everything in the way of life and instruction that leads away from peace and rest in Christ Jesus.

Obviously the world is one aspect of this, for it knows nothing of divine authority and hankers for your attention, serving as a distraction.

But it is even worse when those who set themselves up as teachers use the Word of God not as a proper source of instruction unto eternal life, but as a bludgeon to turn you inward; as a rule book so that you might comply to an appearance of righteousness, while all the time being robbed of peace in Christ Jesus.

To be sure, pricks of conscience and genuine terrors attend to those who live in the fear of the LORD, but it is your Good Shepherd’s aim to deliver His flock, not to fleece it, terrorize it, grub and grab for attention, and make a show of faith and life.

Look no further than the patient teaching and admonition of Christ Jesus to be relieved from all the anxiety other teachers would like to heap on you, as if to say, “If you pray just this way, and just this often, all will be well,” or, “If you just meditate a little harder and a little longer, you will have peace with God.” This is thrusting and pushing. It is not the way of the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world.

No. The peace of God which passes all understanding was delivered smack dab onto your lap and into your body because you are baptized into Him and are now joined to His risen flesh. No only so, but you who have been taught of His Supper know He also strengthens you through the same in faith toward God and in love toward one another.
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