Read Ezekiel 34:1-10
I don’t think I’ve ever met a shepherd, or one who herds sheep, in person. I’ve commonly seen goat herders and cow wranglers here in Mexico, but never a shepherd. They would have been a lot more common in Ezekiel’s day. The Bible uses the shepherd metaphor in other places as well. The 23rd Psalm begins, “The LORD is my shepherd, I have all that I need.”
Shepherds were some of the first people to meet Jesus face to face. That tells me that God thinks highly of shepherds, perhaps because of their devotion to their flocks. God’s expectations for a shepherd’s behavior is clearly set out here. Feeding the sheep, tending to the weak, caring for the sick, and certainly searching after any sheep that get lost.
The image of a shepherd as used by God in this prophecy was meant to represent the leaders and kings of Israel who had not taken good care of their “flocks.” These bad shepherds had allowed their flocks of people to roam aimlessly because of poor, selfish leadership. It sounds like they were more interested in their own gain and prestige of office rather than be used by God for some magnificent purpose. Ezekiel’s prophecy alerts them to what God thinks about their actions.
God had entrusted his people to be shepherded and cared for by these leaders. When we imagine a good caregiver, we don’t picture someone who doesn’t lead and ignores the needs of those following. Ezekiel’s prophecy is calling out those leaders who have dropped the ball and brought ruin, God’s judgment, upon themselves and the people.
Israel and Judah have had many kings and leaders over the years, many of them evil. Wouldn’t you agree that people serving in any public office should be pastoral in nature. That is, to be more service minded, not seeking personal gain or attention.
The LORD allowed his people to have kings because they wanted to have what all the neighboring nations had. The LORD knew it was a bad idea, but he allowed it anyway. You can read more about that in 1 Samuel 8. Even back then, people were putting people were putting many things before their faith and allegiance to God.
Here in Ezekiel we have God’s pronouncement to the corrupt shepherd leaders. “I now consider these shepherds my enemies, and I will hold them responsible for what has happened to my flock. I will take away their right to feed the flock, and I will stop them from feeding themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths; the sheep will no longer be their prey.” How do you think the sheep will respond? Did they even realize they were being led astray. Any sheep without a shepherd is in big trouble.
These sheep would need to be corralled back in and reawakened to God’s love and desire for obedience. All in good time. This prophecy was directed toward the evil kings who had taken over and brought disaster. God had to cleanse away the corruption before the beauty could bloom again.
What spoke to you in these verses today? I’m going to reflect a bit on the words of Psalm 23. Do you have a favorite line? So many good images of how God wants to shepherd us.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Let’s pray. LORD, you are all that I need. I am not afraid because I know you are there. I pray for leadership around the world to heed your call and follow you. That sounds like an impossible feat, but it would solve so many problems in the world. I know the kings and leaders in this prophecy had similar struggles. They didn’t follow you either. Help me to keep my eyes on you. I desire to draw closer to you and know you more. Make me a leader with compassion and wisdom that can only come from you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
