Bad and Good Shepherds

In Ezekiel 34, God chastises the leaders of his nation Israel by comparing them to bad shepherds. Let’s look at their inactions and actions.

They neglected to…

- Strengthen the weak

- Heal the sick

- Treat the injured

- Bring back the strays

- Search for the lost

Instead they…

- Ate curds

- Clothed selves with wool

- Ate the choice animals

- Ruled harshly and brutally

As a result the flock was scattered and ravaged by wolves. God promised to punish the leaders of Israel and take care of the flock personally. He also promised to provide a true shepherd after the lineage of King David who was and is, Jesus Christ.

Jesus is still the chief shepherd of his people but he has ordained minor shepherds over each local flock of Christians. God expects these human shepherds to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, treat the injured, bring back the strays, search for the lost and rule gently and with kindness.

God loves and highly values his flock of people and expects the same from his shepherds.