When we entrust something important into another’s hands for safekeeping or for them to care for it, we expect them to do just that. We don’t want them to lose the item, or allow it to be broken. Even more important is if we leave our child or our pet in the care of someone else while we are away. We expect them to care for the child, feed and clothe them. A good caregiver, a good parent, doesn’t neglect the child to do only what they want. This is true also of someone who is in charge of a herd of cattle or flock of sheep. In Scripture, God often pictures His people as a flock of sheep, and those in charge of their spiritual care as shepherds. In our Scripture reading today, the Prophet Ezekiel pronounces God’s judgment on those who do not give the proper spiritual care to God’s children.
There are several ways that a shepherd can neglect, misuse, or mistreat the sheep under his care. When ranchers have a large flock of sheep, they usually will hire shepherds to take care of the flock while out in the fields. They are to see that the sheep are grazing in good fields, and protect them from predatory animals. The shepherd is to care for the sheep, not just think about themselves and neglect the flock. God has spiritual shepherds, both in the days of the Bible and also today, who are to lead, guide, and give spiritual care to His flock. However, as the Scripture passage today indicates, there are often false shepherds who are harming the God’s flock, and not taking care of them.
What if the shepherds decided to take the sheep for their own personal use and gain? What if they decided to sell the wool for their own use, or sell the sheep to a butcher and pocket the money? This was one of the things that God saw the shepherds of His children doing (vs. 2-3). These were false preachers who fleeced the flock for personal gain, rather than leading them righteously. In the Old Testament times, many false religious leaders would take the money and sacrifices people brought to the Temple, and keep it for themselves. We see that today, as well, with pastors and televangelists who urge people to give money to their ministry, only to use it to buy fancy houses, cars, private jets, etc. for themselves.
Shepherds are to see that their flock is properly fed, and to lead them to good and plentiful pastures for them to graze (vs. 8). A good shepherd makes sure that his flock gets good, wholesome grass, and does not get into anything poisonous or harmful. This is the same in the spiritual realm. Pastors are to properly feed their flock. That means preaching and teaching from God’s Word, the Bible. They need to feed the people from the Bible, and not mix it in with other worldly philosophies or beliefs from other religions. False doctrines are like the poisonous plants, and a good and caring pastor/ shepherd will see to it that his flock does not take in something that will harm them.
Another thing that a proper shepherd needs to do is see that his flock is safe from any predatory animals (vs. 5, 8). They are always on the lookout for wolves, mountain lions, bears, and other animals that go after sheep, and will protect his flock. They check over the pasture for snakes, and also for holes and gullies that a lamb can fall into and get hurt. They will go after those predators to keep them away, and kill them if need be. The shepherd also will take care to keep the sheep safe from anything else that would harm them, and give medical care when they do get hurt (vs. 4). This should be the case with our spiritual shepherds, as well. They need to warn their flock of false teachings, and anything spiritually dangerous that Satan sneaks in. They need to encourage their flock to keep away from any temptations and sin that will drag them down and harm them. When they do get into trouble, they need to be there to help bring them back and care for their spiritual wounds.
Sheep are not very bright animals. Left on their own they fall prey to predators. They aren't very good at finding good pastures. We are the same. We need good shepherds to help guide us away from harmful spiritual food and from spiritual predators. Jesus is our Good Shepherd (John 10:1-16), and He has given the role of undershepherd to our Christian leaders. Ezekiel warned the religious leaders back in his day, and his words from Scripture hold true today for our own religious leaders. If they fail to care for God’s flock properly, He will bring judgment upon them.
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