Ezekiel 34:25 - Homiletics

A covenant of peace.

I. THE MAKING OF THE COVENANT . A covenant is an agreement between two parties. But in the case of covenants between God and man this agreement is not arrived at after the fashion of human bargaining, in which the two who are concerned meet on equal terms. The covenant is made by God and offered to man, by whom it has to be accepted in order that it may take effect. 'We meet with several successive covenants—with Adam, with Noah, with Abraham, with Israel in the Law. Jeremiah promises a new covenant ( Jeremiah 31:31 ). A similar idea is here presented by Ezekiel. The old arrangement has broken down. For a time, the people of God are outlawed exiles, cut off from their ancient privileges, with little hope for the future. Now they are assured that God will not forsake them. It is impossible to renew the old covenant; but a new one shall be granted. God now approaches us in the gospel with that new covenant which Christ said was given in his blood ( Luke 22:20 ). It was given to the world in the work of Christ. But it is ratified afresh with every soul that accepts its conditions—viz; repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ ( Acts 3:19 , Acts 3:26 ). All who thus enter into it enjoy the privileges of God's covenant mercies—mercies promised and assured to God's people.

II. THE CHARACTER OF THE COVENANT . It is essentially a covenant of peace. Every covenant is intended to be of this character. It is to prevent misunderstandings, to define mutual relations, to harmonize reciprocal actions. It is, in fact, a sort of treaty; and treaties, as long as they are observed, are instruments of peace. But the new covenant is emphatically and in a very special manner one of peace.

1. It endorses the restoration of peace between God and man . Sin is a breach of the peace, pardon is the making of peace. The restored Jews were brought into relations of peace with God. Christ reconciles us to God.

2. It signalizes the establishment of peace between man and his fallow-man . Christ is our peace in regard to mutual human relations. He breaks down "the middle wall of partition" between Jew and Gentile ( Ephesians 2:14 ). He brings peace on earth ( Luke 2:14 ).

3. It is the outward evidence of internal peace . Christ gives peace to the soul. The covenant assures his people that this peace is sound and solid ( John 14:27 ).

III. THE FRUITS OF THE COVENANT . The evil beasts are to depart and the people are to dwell safely in the open pastures and even sleep in the woods without danger. The departure of man is followed by an incursion of wild beasts. Lions came into the land when it was much depopulated by the Captivity. Then it would only be safe for people to live in close communities. At the present day we never see in Palestine those scattered farmhouses and cottages that give so much picturesqueness to rural England. The people all live in villages or towns. That must be a very safe condition of the country which would admit the manner of living described in our text. A similar condition spiritually is brought about under the new covenant of Christ. The wild beasts of haunting sins and prowling temptations are driven away. It is possible to enjoy a sense of freedom and security when under the protection of Christ. To plant one's homestead in the midst of the pasturage, to be able to sleep out in the woods in the summer-time when at work far from home, would mean much comfort and happiness in a safe and settled community. Such a condition is typical of the citizen of the kingdom of heaven, and though certainly it is not yet fully enjoyed, it will be when the reign of Christ is perfectly established.