The need for willing shepherds

Some of the most beloved scriptures talk about sheep and shepherds. “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1 NIV). “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). The leaders of God’s people are also referred to as ‘shepherds’ (1 Peter 5:1-4), reflecting the same usage of the word for the Israelites. The problem with the shepherds of Israel was that they were not looking after those who were entrusted to them.

“The word of the Lord came to me: ‘Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them: “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed those who are ill or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no-one searched or looked for them.”’” (Ezekiel 34:1-6)

Not only were they not taking care of the sheep, they were abusing the sheep to enrich themselves. From the choice animals they ate, most likely the meat as well as milk products. They made clothing for themselves. But it was all about them, not the sheep – they weren’t helping the weak, those sick or injured; they weren’t searching for those who strayed off and were lost. As a result the sheep were spread all over the land. What was the solution?

“…this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.’ For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.’” (Ezekiel 34:10-11)

Because the shepherds weren’t taking care of the sheep they would be held accountable and removed from looking after God’s flock. God would search for the flock, find them, and look after them. The flock, of course, was the people of Israel. The shepherds were their leaders – leaders who weren’t leading but were more concerned with what profit they could get.

There are lessons for God’s shepherds today, the leaders of Christians. God’s leaders are not to be harsh and brutal to those in their care – this is what the shepherds of Israel were condemned for. Instead they are to strengthen those in their care, helping them survive as Christians in a challenging world. They are to make sure they are fed, that God’s word is taught faithfully in our assemblies and classes (1 Peter 2:2).

Being a leader of God’s people is not for glory but serves a vital function in helping Christians grow and be faithful as they live for God. It is hard work but it is necessary for local assemblies to grow and thrive.

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them – not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)

Photo by Jon Galloway, Netherburn, Scotland

Readings for next week: Ezekiel 22-38