Shepherds Who Neglect the Flock

The deepest wounds are often inflicted by those entrusted to care for our souls. But when earthly shepherds fail, the Good Shepherd never abandons His sheep.

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them. Ezekiel 34:2–4

The leaders of Jerusalem had done the opposite of what God wanted, they became arrogant and self absorbed. They only looked out for what was good for themselves. God’s rebuke that came through Ezekiel is directed toward leaders who neglected those entrusted to them. They pursued personal gain while ignoring the weak, the wounded, and the vulnerable.

When we read we can see what God expected His faithful shepherds to do:

Strengthen the weak.
Heal the sick.
Bind up the injured.
Seek the lost.
Lead with compassion rather than harshness.

Leadership is measured less by influence and more by a leader’s faithful care.

We can be reassured and realize that when churches fail to care for those who are hurting, Scripture does not excuse that failure. Through the words of Ezekiel we can see that God Himself confronts negligent shepherds. God not only pays attention to the leaders’ conduct but also is concerned for the people who have suffered because of it.

The comforting truth is that God does not abandon His flock when earthly shepherds fail. Later in Ezekiel 34:11 “For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.” He promises that He Himself will seek His sheep and rescue them. A promise that ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for His sheep.

For Those Hurt by Church Leaders

When you’ve been hurt by the group that you have called family it can make you feel forgotten, dismissed, or unheard. Know that God declares He sees the wounded sheep. He promises to seek them, gather them, and care for them personally. Understand that your value has never depended on whether earthly leaders or congregations treated you well. Your worth is established by the Shepherd who gave His life for you.

Thought to Ponder

Am I reflecting Christ’s heart by caring for those who are hurting?

Journaling Prompt

What qualities of Jesus as the Good Shepherd bring comfort to me today?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for never abandoning Your sheep. Lord, heal those who have experienced neglect or abuse in Your Church. Raise up leaders who reflect Your compassion and courage. Be with those who feel stuck or tied to those who are taking advantage of or hurting them. Give them the strength they need to take care of the things they feel they can’t and take the steps they need to take. Please light the path so they can see You through the pain. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...