Ezk 34:1-2
The word of the Lord came to me: "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?
(ESV)
As believers, disciples of Jesus, we have been taught that we should respect those in authority over us. That is true, but we must be careful not to make that the overarching principle of life that frames all other commands. Ezekiel 34 is a message of condemnation by God against two groups of people. He condemns the "shepherds" of the people and he condemns the fat sheep that keep the less healthy sheep from good food and water.
Because "pastor" means "shepherd" it is sometimes difficult for us to read this passage accurately. When God condemns the shepherds of the people he is not talking about pastors, although that application is certainly valid. He is talking about the spiritual and the political leaders of the day. Throughout the Old Testament from David on, the weight of influence on the people of God lies squarely on the shoulders of the King.
This passage, then, applies as much to politicians as it does to pastors. It applies as much to parents and employers as to preachers and teachers. The grievous truth is that some pastors, some teachers, some politicians and some parents lead out of narcissistic self-ambition and self-concern rather that out of genuine concern for those under their care. This is wrong and this is what has garnered the judgement of God in this chapter.
Unfortunately selfishness does not contain itself to leadership. Half of this chapter is about the selfishness of the sheep. It is one thing to enjoy what God has blessed us with. There is certainly nothing wrong with that. It is another thing entirely to build and maintain wealth and personal comfort on the backs of the less fortunate. Because we build a cultural screen around ourselves so that we do not see the oppression that occurs makes us no less liable.
The bottom line in this chapter is that those in positions of power and privilege have a responsibility to reach out and minister to those less fortunate. As such, we must never justify or ignore abuse of power and privilege. That is easy to see when we are the ones being abused. Is is far less obvious when we are the abusers.
Father, give me eyes to see myself as you see me. Give me a broken heart over my own abuse of power and privilege. Let the love of Christ be seen in me.
By His grace,
Rick Weinert
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