Today’s Reading, Ezekiel 34-36
Focal Scripture: Ezekiel 34:5 “They were scattered for lack of a shepherd; they became food for all the wild animals when they were scattered.”
God cared about his people very much. He cares about them so much that he has given them prophets and he has given them shepherds. The point of these positions is to make sure they are leading the people towards a more intimate relationship with the Lord. However, far too often the people were scattered because they didn’t have anyone to lead them in the right direction.
In today’s reading we see what happened to the nation of Israel even they did not have a shepherd. The scriptures tells us that the people were scattered. They were not being guided together as a group. Each person did what was right in their own eyes. In the middle of them being scattered they were picked off by wild animals. They were easy targets because nobody was looking out for their interests.
As a believer we know we have the Good Shepherd who looks out for us completely. We have also been assigned local shepherds. These are men who care deeply about Gods people and willingly humble leaders. Unfortunately, some people who claim to be shepherds are more concerned about themselves than they are the sheep. Biblical shepherds are out front and lead the sheep with their kind and loving voice. They don’t push the sheep they lead the sheep. This is how it should happen in your churches.
If you are part of a congregation where the shepherd is more concerned about everything else other than the people it’s time to find another place of worship or another shepherd. It’s ok to admit you made a mistake. Not everyone is called to be a minister of the gospel. Not every person has the demeanor to be a pastor.
If you don’t have a shepherd it’s time to find one in your life and in your congregation. Shepherds are sacrificial. They love all the sheep. They are kind and patient. They expressive and concern. They pick those up who are broken. They don’t neglect any of the flock. Biblical shepherds leave a memory that never goes away.
Pray for those who are feeling lead to be a shepherd. It is hard work but it is worth it completely. If you don’t care for people you are not a shepherd. It is better to not shepherd at all than to be a bad shepherd that hurts people. Lead the sheep, feed the sheep, and love the sheep. Look out for others before yourself, after all that is the job of a shepherd.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Ezekiel 37-39
