Ezekiel 34 (The Lord as the True Shepherd who gathers and cares for His flock)
I checked the BYU Religious Studies Center (RSC) and the Joseph Smith Papers (JSP) but found that a lesson help from ChurchofJesusChrist.org more directly and comprehensively addresses Ezekiel 34 and the theme of the Lord as the True Shepherd.
In Ezekiel 34, the prophet Ezekiel vividly illustrates the stark contrast between unfaithful leaders, likened to shepherds who neglected and exploited their flock, and the Lord Jesus Christ, the true Shepherd. The Lord expresses sorrow for His scattered and suffering sheep, condemning those who failed to nurture, heal, and gather them. He then promises that He Himself will actively seek out, rescue, gather, and feed His sheep, healing the sick, binding up the broken, and strengthening the weak, ultimately establishing a covenant of peace and safety for His people. This passage teaches us that Jesus Christ perfectly exemplifies a loving shepherd who deeply cares for each of Heavenly Father's children.
You can read more about this topic at: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-old-testament-2026/45?lang=eng
How does the Lord's promise to "judge between cattle and cattle" (Ezekiel 34:22) and "between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle" (Ezekiel 34:20) in this chapter inform our understanding of individual accountability, even within a gathered flock?
Considering this morning's intention to "actively seek opportunities to share gospel truths and heed prophetic counsel with a repentant heart, recognizing our role as watchmen," how might understanding the Lord's diligent search for His scattered sheep (Ezekiel 34:11-16) inspire us to more compassionately fulfill our watchman responsibilities, particularly towards those who feel lost or neglected?