In this chapter too, the prophet Ezekiel speaks of a still unknown peace, a wonderful future. In the first place for the people of Israel, but in the end also for the whole world. The secret of this peace is that no longer humans will be zealous for God, but God will burn with zeal for His people.
How long will it take before we, humans, are finally willing to accept the loving guidance of God in our lives? How long will we remain blind for this great secret that the reality of God is only to be experienced in genuine submission to Him? How much suffering still awaits the people of Israel before they will be willing to entrust themselves to God, so that He can make them dwell safely in the land of Israel?
In this Bible passage, we clearly recognize the almost passionate desire of God for this great moment, when He Himself will be able to tend His people as their good Shepherd. Then there will be truly righteous judgment. Then there will be no more war or threat of war. ‘I, the Lord, will be their God’ (:24).
This is a wonderful prophetic word, for here Ezekiel says that Yahweh is the One Israel will praise.
If we talk and sermonize less about God, but worship Him more and start living out of a heartfelt communion with Him, than He will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak (Ezekiel 34:16). He will cure everything sick in our lives that arose from the estrangement of God. And then His peace, which transcends all understanding, will become reality again.