EGW WritingsEzekiel 34

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Ms 15, 1850

A vision the Lord gave me October 23, 1850, at the house of Bro. Nichols [Otis Nichols]2

Identity: Only Otis Nichols fits the description given here.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 132, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 132, 1898, par. 26

God chooses His workers from all classes of people, and imbues them with His own spirit. So it was in ancient times. The men and women of God’s selection were of intense earnestness, full of zeal. The last books of the Old Testament show us workers taken from the laborers in the field. Others were men of high ability and extensive learning, but the Lord gave them visions and messages. These men of the Old Testament spoke of the things transpiring in their day, and Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel not only spoke of things that concerned them as present truth, but their sight reached down to the future, and to what should occur in these last days.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 33, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 1

In the thirty-fourth chapter of Ezekiel is given a description of false shepherds. The prophet bears the testimony of the Lord, saying, “The word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds: Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed; but ye feed not the flock.

15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 3

“Therefore ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: As I live, saith the Lord, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock, ... I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.” [Verses 1-8, 16.]

15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 4

“Seemeth it a small thing unto you that ye have eaten the good pastures, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.” [Verses 18, 19.]

15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 5

In the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah an explanation is given of this. Read this chapter in connection with the thirty-fourth chapter of Ezekiel. The law of God, the transcript of His character, which should ever be kept before the people, is not respected, but is trodden under the feet of men who attach Reverend to their names, but do not attach reverend to the law of Jehovah. They, the shepherds of the flock, destroy the plain paths. When the Lord sends His message of advanced truth, presenting that which is food for His flock, the ministers should be the first to receive the message. But they will not obey the Word of the Lord. They will not accept the truth because it involves self-denial. They accept that portion of the Word which does not conflict with their practice, but they transgress the law by treading underfoot a plain “Thus saith the Lord.”

15LtMs, Ms 33, 1900, par. 15

Of the ministers who take away the key of knowledge from the people, refusing to enter in and hindering those who would enter, God says, “Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord; Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the flock; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; for I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them.” [Ezekiel 34:9, 10.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 156, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 156, 1901, par. 48

I was instructed to tell our people to read carefully the thirty-fourth chapter of Ezekiel, and to guard against acting under the power of the great deceiver.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 156b, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 156b, 1901, par. 26

I have been instructed to tell our people to read carefully the thirty-fourth chapter of Ezekiel, and to guard against being deceived and led to act the part of unfaithful shepherds.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 112, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 112, 1904, par. 5

Read the thirty-third and the thirty-fourth chapters of Ezekiel, and make straight paths for your feet, let the lame be turned out of the way. The instruction contained in these chapters is not a pleasing fable, but the truth of God. Read and study this instruction, and put the power of your understanding to the utmost stretch to understand what it means to those living in these last days.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 28, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 28, 1905, par. 12

Read and study the thirty-fourth chapter of Ezekiel. In it we are given most precious encouragement. “I will save My flock, and they shall be no more a prey,” the Lord declares, “and I will judge between cattle and cattle. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even My servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it. And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land; and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit; and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in the land, and shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall no more be consumed with hunger in the land, neither shall they bear the shame of the heathen any more. Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and they, even the house of Israel, are My people, saith the Lord God. And ye are My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” [Verses 22-31.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 120, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 120, 1908, par. 6

Spiritual things must be spiritually discerned. We each need an individual knowledge of what the Lord requires of us. We cannot continue to do as we please and still be prepared to meet Him when He comes. Now is our time and opportunity to be gaining an experience in the things of God. I feel great grief for Frank Belden; but I cannot advise you, Emma, even for your sister’s sake, to place yourself under his influence. He has made his choice; if ever he changes that choice, we shall know it by his actions. “None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live.” [Ezekiel 33:16.] I ask you to study the 34th chapter of Ezekiel.

Education

Chapter 19—History and Prophecy

Ed 176.1

Instead of being a protector of men, Babylon became a proud and cruel oppressor. The words of Inspiration picturing the cruelty and greed of rulers in Israel reveal the secret of Babylon’s fall and of the fall of many another kingdom since the world began: “Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” Ezekiel 34:3, 4.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 854—A Charitable Attitude Toward Others

11MR 26.1

I feel deeply, feel that we have erred in not manifesting greater love, forbearance, and pity for others. “The diseased have ye not strengthened” (Ezekiel 34:4), is the reproof given to unfaithful shepherds. Our feelings must not be a ruling power. We must walk in all humility of mind. The Lord loves His servants who are unselfishly engaged in the saving of souls. He will as readily guide them in judgment and teach them His will as He will teach us. We must believe that Jesus stands at the helm. He will be captain, and we may trust His own work in His all-powerful hands.

From Trials to Triumph

Chapter 1—God’s Purpose for His Church

TT 11.3

“For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant: and He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” Isaiah 5:7; Ezekiel 34:4.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 52—The Divine Shepherd

HLv 324.1

The priests and rulers, the scribes and Pharisees, destroyed the living pastures and defiled the wellsprings of the water of life. Inspiration describes these false shepherds: “The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the crippled you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.” Ezekiel 34:4, RSV.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 5, 1880

3LtMs, Lt 5, 1880, par. 18

I feel deeply, feel that we have erred in not manifesting greater love, forbearance, and pity for others. “The diseased have ye not strengthened” (Ezekiel 34:4), is the reproof given to unfaithful shepherds. Our feelings must not be a ruling power. We must walk in all humility of mind. The Lord loves His servants who are unselfishly engaged in the saving of souls. He will as readily guide them in judgment and teach them His will as He will teach us. We must believe that Jesus stands at the helm. He will be Captain, and we may trust His own work in His all-powerful hands.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 4, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 4, 1889, par. 40

God has sent you a message which He wishes you to receive, a message of light and hope and comfort for the people of God. It is not for you to choose the channel through which the light shall come. The Lord desires to heal the wounds of His sheep and lambs through the heavenly balm of the truth that Christ is our righteousness. May God forbid that it shall be said of you, “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost.” [Ezekiel 34:4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 12

The selfish priest and Levite represent a class who disobey the law of God, who do not love God supremely, or their neighbors as themselves. “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought again, that which was lost; but with force and cruelty have ye ruled them.” [Ezekiel 34:4.] This answers to the work that some in their blindness and selfishness have been doing.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 52, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 52, 1899, par. 7

God will never entrust His flock to a man of your temperament, for you would either rule or ruin. “The diseased have ye not healed, the bruised have ye not bound up.” [Ezekiel 34:4.] The Lord does not give His flock into the charge of those who bite and devour, who have so high an estimate of self that they know not how to give meat in due season, how to minister to the sick and suffering in the flock. You need an entire transformation of character. You know not how to behave in your home as a Christian gentleman, how to be kind, gentle, and considerate. Self is your idol. When the love of Christ fills your heart, your character will change decidedly. In the place of filling your thoughts and conversation with criticism, you will realize that your past life has been a failure. You will walk humbly before God.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Dealing with the Erring

2TT 114.3

We are not to condemn others; this is not our work; but we should love one another and pray for one another. When we see one err from the truth, then we may weep over him as Christ wept over Jerusalem. Let us see what our heavenly Father in His word says about the erring: “If a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1. “If any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James 5:19, 20. What a great missionary work is this! how much more Christlike than for poor, fallible mortals to be ever accusing and condemning those who do not exactly meet their minds. Let us remember that Jesus knows us individually and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows the wants of each of His creatures and reads the hidden, unspoken grief of every heart. If one of the little ones for whom He died is injured, He sees it and calls the offender to account. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He cares for His feeble, sickly, wandering sheep. He knows them all by name. The distress of every sheep and every lamb of His flock touches His heart of sympathizing love, and the cry for aid reaches His ear. One of the greatest sins of the shepherds of Israel is thus pointed out by the prophet: “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, My flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.” Ezekiel 34:4-6.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 66, 1884

4LtMs, Lt 66, 1884, par. 12

Let us remember that Jesus knows us individually, and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He knows the wants of each of His creatures, and reads the hidden, unspoken grief of every heart. If one of the little ones for whom He died is injured, He sees it and calls the offender to account. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He cares for His feeble, sickly, wandering sheep. He knows them all by name. The distress of every sheep and every lamb of His flock touches His heart of sympathizing love, and the cry for aid reaches His ear. One of the greatest sins of the shepherds of Israel is thus pointed out by the prophet: “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill; yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.” [Ezekiel 34:4-6.]

The Acts of the Apostles

Chapter 1—God’s Purpose for His Church

AA 9.2

Many and wonderful are the promises recorded in the Scriptures regarding the church. “Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” Isaiah 56:7. “I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” “And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are My people, saith the Lord God. And ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel 34:26, 29-31.

AA 15.3

“And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: and I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah His pleasant plant: and He looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.” Isaiah 5:3-7. “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” Ezekiel 34:4.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 52—The Divine Shepherd

DA 476.3

This figure the prophet Isaiah had applied to the Messiah’s mission, in the comforting words, “O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! ... He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom.” Isaiah 40:9-11. David had sung, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1. And the Holy Spirit through Ezekiel had declared: “I will set up one Shepherd over them, and He shall feed them.” “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” “And I will make with them a covenant of peace.” “And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen; ... but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.” Ezekiel 34:23, 16, 25, 28.

DA 478.1

The Pharisees had not entered by the door. They had climbed into the fold by another way than Christ, and they were not fulfilling the work of the true shepherd. The priests and rulers, the scribes and Pharisees, destroyed the living pastures, and defiled the wellsprings of the water of life. Faithfully do the words of inspiration describe those false shepherds: “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away; ... but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.” Ezekiel 34:4.

DA 479.2

As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. “Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” Jesus says, “I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands.” Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 23, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 23, 1898, par. 6

“I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong: I will feed them with judgment. And as for you, O my flock, thus saith the Lord God; behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the he goats. Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but you must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.” [Ezekiel 34:11-19.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Lt 83, 1900

15LtMs, Lt 83, 1900, par. 4

But the Lord knows how to deliver His flock out of the hand of unfaithful pastors, whom He will punish for their pride and selfishness. “Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. ... And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David, and he shall be their shepherd.” [Ezekiel 34:11, 12, 23.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

The Lost Sheep

COL 187.1

These souls whom you despise, said Jesus, are the property of God. By creation and by redemption they are His, and they are of value in His sight. As the shepherd loves his sheep, and cannot rest if even one be missing, so, in an infinitely higher degree, does God love every outcast soul. Men may deny the claim of His love, they may wander from Him, they may choose another master; yet they are God’s, and He longs to recover His own. He says, “As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:12.

Lift Him Up

Brought Back by the Shepherd, July 19

LHU 214.1

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. Ezekiel 34:12.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Section 5—In the Southern Field

“As a shepherd seeketh out his flock;
... so will I seek out My sheep,
and will deliver them out of all
places where they have been
scattered.” Ezekiel 34:12.

The General Conference Bulletin

December 1, 1895

GCB December 1, 1895, par. 7

These souls whom you despise as worthless, said Jesus, are the property of God. They are his by creation and by redemption, and they are of value in his sight. They are the objects of his care and love. As the shepherd loves his sheep, and cannot rest if one be missing, so, in an infinitely higher degree, does God love every outcast and wandering soul. Men may deny the claim of his love, they may wander far from him, they may choose for themselves another master, yet are they God’s, and he longs to recover his own. And he says, “As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.” Ezekiel 34:12. O soul lost in sin, however far you have wandered, into whatever depths of degradation and misery you have sunken, God recognizes you as his own, precious to his heart of love. You cannot be safe or happy without him, and he cannot be satisfied without you. Amid the angels that surround the throne, he still yearns to recover you.

With God at Dawn

God Searches Out His Sheep, February 3

WGD 36.1

As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. Ezekiel 34:12.

With God at Dawn

He Will Gather and Bring Back the Lost, March 14

WGD 75.1

And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel. Ezekiel 34:13.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 118, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 118, 1898, par. 21

“I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong: I will feed them with judgment. ... And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” [Ezekiel 34:15, 16, 31.]

To Be Like Jesus

Good Health Needed to Achieve Success, October 7

BLJ 296.1

I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment. Ezekiel 34:16, NKJV.

With God at Dawn

He Will Bind and Strengthen, March 13

WGD 74.1

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment. Ezekiel 34:16.

Lift Him Up

The Divine Shepherd, July 7

LHU 202.1

I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them ... and he shall be their shepherd. Ezekiel 34:23.

LHU 202.3

This figure the prophet Isaiah had applied to the Messiah’s mission, in the comforting words, ... “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom” (Isaiah 40:11). David had sung, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). And the Holy Spirit through Ezekiel had declared: “I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them.” “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” “And I will make with them a covenant of peace.” “And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen; ... but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid” (Ezekiel 34:23, 16, 25, 28)....

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 17—Jacob’s Flight and Exile

PP 190.3

The shepherd’s life of diligence and care-taking, and his tender compassion for the helpless creatures entrusted to his charge, have been employed by the inspired writers to illustrate some of the most precious truths of the gospel. Christ, in His relation to His people, is compared to a shepherd. After the Fall He saw His sheep doomed to perish in the dark ways of sin. To save these wandering ones He left the honors and glories of His Father’s house. He says, “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” I will “save My flock, and they shall no more be a prey.” “Neither shall the beast of the land devour them.” Ezekiel 34:16, 22, 28. His voice is heard calling them to His fold, “a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.” Isaiah 4:6. His care for the flock is unwearied. He strengthens the weak, relieves the suffering, gathers the lambs in His arms, and carries them in His bosom. His sheep love Him. “And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers.” John 10:5.

From Eternity Past

We Have a Faithful Shepherd

EP 124.3

The shepherd’s life of care-taking and compassion for the helpless creatures illustrates some precious truths of the gospel. Christ is compared to a shepherd. He saw His sheep doomed to perish in the dark ways of sin. To save these wandering ones He left the honors and glories of His Father’s house. He says, “I Will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.” I will “save My flock, and they shall no more be a prey.” “Neither shall the beast of the land devour them.” Ezekiel 34:16, 22, 28. His voice is heard calling them to His fold, “a shadow in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain.” Isaiah 4:6. He strengthens the weak, relieves the suffering, gathers the lambs in His arms, and carries them in His bosom. His sheep love Him. “And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers.” See John 10:1-15.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

Lt 7, 1859

I saw the case of Sister Graham [Catharine Graham],5

Identity: Two of the Graham brothers, Bruce, 26, and Andrew, 24, were still living at home, according to the 1860 census. The household was headed by “Catharine Graham,” age 49.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 41, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 41, 1899, par. 5

God has represented this work in His Word, saying, “Ye have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed the diseased with your horns, till ye have scattered them abroad.” [Ezekiel 34:21.] This is the course many have pursued. They have driven the weak on to Satan’s battleground, to be tempted, to falter, and to fall. When the judgment shall sit and the books are opened, these men will be called to account for the blood of souls that is upon their garments. In that day God will ask them, “Who hath required this at your hand?” [Isaiah 1:12.] They will then see that they have done a work that God has not required of them.

A Word to the Little Flock

To the Remnant Scattered Abroad

WLF 17.1

And I saw another field full of all kinds of flowers, and as I plucked them, I cried out, well they will never fade. Next I saw a field of tall grass, most glorious to behold; it was living green, and had a reflection of silver and gold, as it waved proudly to the glory of King Jesus. Then we entered a field full of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard and the wolf, altogether in perfect union; [Isaiah 11:6-9.] we passed through the midst of them, and they followed on peaceably after. Then we entered a wood, not like the dark woods we have here, no, no; but light, and all over glorious; the branches of the trees waved to and fro, and we all cried out, “we will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in this woods.” [Ezekiel 34:25.] We passed through the woods, for we were on our way to Mount Zion. As we were travelling along, we met a company who were also gazing at the glories of the place. I noticed red as a border on their garments; their crowns were brilliant; their robes were pure white. As we greeted them, I asked Jesus who they were? He said they were martyrs that had been slain for him. With them was an innumerable company of little ones; they had a hem of red on their garments also. [Jeremiah 31:15-17. Matthew 2:18.] Mount Zion was just before us, and on the Mount sat a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies, [2 Esdras 2:19.] and I saw the little ones climb, or if they chose, use their little wings and fly to the top of the mountains, and pluck the never fading flowers. There were all kinds of trees around the temple to beautify the place; the box, the pine, the fir. the oil, the myrtle, the pomegranate, and the fig tree bowed down with the weight of its timely figs, that made the place look all over glorious. [Isaiah 60:13. Isaiah 41:19.] And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised his lovely voice and said, only the 144,000 enter this place, and we shouted Hallelujah.

Maranatha

Another Pentecost Coming! September 5

Mar 256.1

I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 31, 1888

5LtMs, Lt 31, 1888, par. 17

Have you let your light shine to your workmen laboring for you, that they shall be laborers together with God? The light and advantages God has given you, you must improve; the blessings He has bestowed upon you, you must let be a blessing to others. What a large missionary field close at home, to speak a word of God’s promises to revive the poor souls who are compelled to labor hard with small wages—men and women struggling in poverty, with scarcely the bare necessities of life! God has given you your speech that you might speak forth His praises, that you might glorify His name. You are Christ’s representatives. Teach those connected with you in regard to the higher, holier interests. Ezekiel 34:26. “And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in His season; there shall be showers of blessing.”

5LtMs, Lt 31, 1888, par. 21

If you are a blessing to one or two, leading them to piety and devotion and energy in the cause of God, these will in their turn be a blessing to others, and they will be a blessing to still others. “I will make all the places round about a blessing.” [Ezekiel 34:26.] Your light is to be far-reaching. You are God’s hired servants to give time, thought, tact to God’s work, if you expect wages of eternal life. Talk the Bible truth, live the Bible truth, and then when Jesus comes, the “Well done” will be spoken to you. [Matthew 25:21.]

Reflecting Christ

God’s Church to Reflect His Glory, July 1

RC 196.3

Many and wonderful are the promises recorded in the Scriptures regarding the church. “Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isaiah 56:7). “I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26).... “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me” (Isaiah 49:16).

Reflecting Christ

God Deals With Us as We Deal With Others, July 11

RC 206.1

I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 14—“We Have Found the Messias”

DA 141.4

All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light. God makes them His agents to communicate to others the riches of His grace. His promise is, “I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26.

The Faith I Live By

Another Pentecost Coming! November 22

FLB 332.1

And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26.

The Ministry of Healing

“Freely Ye Have Received, Freely Give”

MH 103.2

“I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing.” Ezekiel 34:26, A.R.V.

Homeward Bound

God’s Fortress, August 2

HB 239.3

Many and wonderful are the promises recorded in the Scriptures regarding the church. “Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.” (Isaiah 56:7.) “I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” (Ezekiel 34:26.) . . .

Homeward Bound

Introduce Jesus to Neighbors, September 28

HB 297.4

All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light. God makes them His agents to communicate to others the riches of His grace. His promise is, “I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” (Ezekiel 34:26.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 13, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 13, 1898, par. 14

As the master calls for his servant, and he obeys, so all nature does the bidding of Jehovah. The Lord speaks: “And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing: and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of them that served themselves of them. And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid. And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall no more be consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more. Thus shall they know that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are my people, saith the Lord God. And ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” [Ezekiel 34:26-31.]

To Be Like Jesus

The Earth Will Produce Abundantly for Diligent Workers, August 5

BLJ 231.1

Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them. Ezekiel 34:27, NKJV.

Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)

The Good Shepherd

GW 181.2

As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. “Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” [Ezekiel 34:31.]

In Heavenly Places

The Shepherd’s Tender Care, January 19

HP 25.3

But when it is found, does he act indifferently? Does he call the sheep, and command the straying one to follow him? Does he threaten and beat it, or drive it before him, recounting the bitterness and discomfiture and anxiety that he has had on its account? No; he lays the weary, exhausted, wandering sheep on his shoulder, and ... returns it to the fold. His gratitude finds expression in melodious songs of rejoicing, and heavenly choirs respond to the shepherd’s note of joy.... For “joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance.” Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14). Just as a shepherd of earth knows his sheep, so does the chief Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the whole world.... “And ye, my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God” (Ezekiel 34:31).27The Review and Herald, August 23, 1892.

Lift Him Up

The Good Shepherd, July 6

LHU 201.3

As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. “Ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God” (Ezekiel 34:31).

Lift Him Up

The Shepherd Knows Every Sheep, July 8

LHU 203.4

As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the divine shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. “Ye my flock, the flock of my pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” Jesus says, “I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” “I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands” (Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16).

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Saviour-Shepherd, March 19

JNN 87.3

As an earthly shepherd knows his sheep, so does the Divine Shepherd know His flock that are scattered throughout the world. “Ye My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God, saith the Lord God.” Jesus says, “I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine.” “I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands” (Ezekiel 34:31; Isaiah 43:1; 49:16).