Reading: Ezekiel 34 - 36
My Verse: 34:2 "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them, even to the [spiritual] shepherds. Thus says the Lord God; Woe to the [spiritual] shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the sheep?"
It is interesting that as often as we are reminded that we each are responsible of our own response to You, Lord, You also warn spiritual leaders that "do not feed the sheep", "neither did My shepherds search for My sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves and fed not My sheep." (34:3,8)
Verses 3 and 4 of 34 are simply condemning: "You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you kill the fatlings, but you do not feed the sheep. The diseased and weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the hurt and crippled you have not bandaged, those gone astray you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought to find, but with force and hardhearted harshness you have ruled them."
The role of a spiritual leader is a huge responsibility. And these leaders can fall as we all can when we take our eyes off You. Your Word is replete with examples of very great leaders erring. The key is repentance and prayer! Paul pled with his followers to pray for him. "I appeal to you brethren, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love [given by] the Spirit, to unite with me in earnest wrestling in prayer to God in my behalf." (Romans 15:30)
So, I must be faithful in prayer for my pastor, and for others that are in spiritual leadership roles. Afterall they are on the frontline of the battle!
Ditat Deus - God Enriches!
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