25-0824a - Detailed Summary

Mike recounts a conversation from his time in the workforce, where he engaged in Bible studies with a colleague who believed in speaking in tongues. When Mike challenged the colleague on whether these tongues could be used to teach God’s word globally, the colleague admitted they could not. Mike explains that tongues, as described in Acts 2, are simply languages, evidenced by Galileans speaking in the native tongues of various peoples who understood them praising God. He references the King James Version of the Bible, noting its translation from original Hebrew and Greek languages, reinforcing that tongues are practical means of communication. During this discussion, the colleague defensively remarked, “Don’t steal my sheep,” prompting Mike to question who these “sheep” were. His goal was to guide others toward becoming God’s sheep through biblical understanding, not to claim followers for himself.

Mike transitions to Ezekiel 34:1-4, where God condemns the shepherds of Israel for their selfishness. These leaders fed and clothed themselves while neglecting the flock’s needs—failing to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind the broken, or seek the lost. Instead, they ruled with cruelty, causing the sheep to scatter and become prey. Mike describes this as a “sad picture,” highlighting the failure of these shepherds to lead God’s people through His word. This sets up a contrast with the expectations for spiritual leaders in the New Testament church.

Mike connects Ezekiel’s imagery to Acts 20:28, where Paul exhorts the Ephesian elders to shepherd God’s church. He clarifies that terms like “elder,” “pastor,” and “shepherd” refer to the same role, emphasizing a plurality of elders in each congregation. Unlike the selfish shepherds of Israel, these elders are to care for God’s spiritual Israel—the church—by addressing both physical and spiritual needs. Mike notes that the Holy Spirit appoints these overseers, countering objections to their authority by pointing to Paul’s words. The elders must protect the flock from internal and external threats, as Paul warns in Acts 20:29-30 of “savage wolves” and false teachers rising from within. Mike underscores the church as God’s flock, purchased by Jesus’ blood, affirming Jesus’ divinity and the gravity of the elders’ role.

Returning to Ezekiel 34:6-11, Mike highlights God’s response to the failure of Israel’s shepherds. God’s sheep wandered and scattered without care, so He promises to personally seek them out, like a shepherd rescuing his flock. Verses 11-14 describe God gathering His sheep from exile, feeding them in good pastures, and providing rest, contrasting the neglect of the earlier shepherds. Mike ties this to Luke 19:10, where Jesus, the Son of Man, fulfills God’s promise by seeking and saving the lost. God’s judgment is also promised against selfish shepherds and those who harm the flock, ensuring justice and care for His people.

Mike emphasizes that Jesus came not to condemn but to save, fulfilling God’s promise to seek His sheep. He warns that following human leaders instead of God leads astray, as no person’s “sheep” belong to them—only God’s sheep matter. Mike urges the congregation to return for part two of the sermon, where he will discuss how to become God’s sheep today. He stresses that elders must lead by God’s word, and believers should follow Jesus as their shepherd. Failure to do so risks scattering the flock, as seen in Israel’s history.

In closing, Mike calls the congregation to become part of God’s flock by listening to Jesus’ voice and following Him. He encourages faith in Jesus as God’s Son, whose blood washes away sins, and invites those who have strayed to return through repentance and prayer. The sermon ends with a call to action, urging listeners to join God’s flock while singing, emphasizing the opportunity for salvation and belonging.

This sermon sets the stage for a deeper exploration in part two, focusing on the biblical metaphor of sheep to illustrate God’s care for His people and the responsibilities of spiritual leaders. Mike’s message is a call to align with God’s will, follow Jesus, and avoid the failures of selfish shepherds.