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Leaders Shepherd
John TiltonEzekiel 34:1-4
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 the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally.
The words that God spoke to Ezekiel, to the shepherds of Israel was a word to the leaders to shepherd and provide for the needs of the people, both in provisions and spiritually. By not tending to their needs, they were in fact leading them harshly and brutally … kind of like a fault by omission. He noted that their tendency was to focus and care for themselves rather then those they were responsible for. Does this seem like selfishness and pride.
This is a great prompting for us as leaders as God has given us authority and leadership over people and ministries. Are we shepherding them in terms of discipleship? Am I strengthening those that are weak, or in need of healing that are injured both physically and metaphorically? And what about those that are not being discipled in the ways of the Lord, but rather just doing task and work? I receive this as an important reminder that leadership is not just telling people what they are supposed to do and what the work or assignment is, but more importantly shepherding them in discipleship; both spiritually, physically and in character. Thus, as they are shepherded, hopefully they would not stray in any way. Furthermore, if some do stray, I know that I am called as a leader to help them find their way back and to usher, help, guide and welcome them back into the fold and family of God.
Dear Lord, we as leaders we do indeed have a greater responsibility to lead as shepherds rather then supervisors or bosses. It is so clear that we are called to lead as Jesus led; through example and shepherding those that you have placed under our leadership. Thank you for reminding me of this important call and responsibility as a leader, may I follow in your call to be a shepherd.
