For thus says the Lord God:
"I myself will look after
and tend my sheep."
(Ezekiel 34:11)
The metaphor of shepherding represents leadership. Just as shepherds care for their flocks, leaders should prioritize the wellbeing of those they serve. God rebukes shepherds who feed themselves instead of their flocks. They seek personal gain rather than self-sacrificial service.
Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd, exemplifies this principle by giving His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
All leaders—whether in public or church life—should examine themselves: Are they serving for the benefit of others or for personal gain? Godly leadership involves sacrificial care, humility, and genuine concern for those entrusted to their care. Let us remember that God’s heart is for His people. He seeks out, feeds, and binds their wounds.
The Shepherd’s Call
In pastures green, where shadows fall,
A Shepherd tends His flock with care.
His voice, a gentle, guiding call,
Leads weary souls from dark despair.
He knows each sheep, their hearts laid bare,
Their wounds, their fears, their silent plea.
With love, He binds what’s torn and frayed,
And lifts them up, sets captives free.
No selfish gain, no hidden greed,
This Shepherd’s heart beats selflessness.
He lays His life down for His sheep,
A sacrifice that brings forth blessedness.
Leaders, take heed, examine well,
Your motives, goals, and hidden aims.
Are you a shepherd, true and just,
Or driven by ambition’s flames?
For Godly leadership seeks to serve,
To feed the hungry, heal the soul.
With sacrificial care, we thrive,
And find our purpose, reach our goal.
So let us lead with hearts ablaze,
With empathy and love unfurled.
Remember, God’s heart beats for His own,
The Shepherd seeks, redeems the world.
A Prayer for Godly Leadership
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with hearts open, seeking wisdom and guidance. You are the ultimate Shepherd, the One who leads us beside still waters and restores our souls. We thank You for the metaphor of shepherding, which teaches us profound truths about leadership.
Lord, we lift up all leaders—whether in public office, church ministry, or any sphere of influence. May they heed Your Word and examine their hearts. Let them be shepherds who prioritize the wellbeing of those they serve, just as You care for Your flock.
Forgive us, Lord, when we have been selfish leaders, seeking personal gain instead of sacrificial service. Help us to emulate Jesus, who laid down His life for the sheep. May our leadership be marked by humility, genuine concern, and selflessness.
We pray for discernment, that leaders may recognize their responsibility to feed and nurture those entrusted to their care. May they seek out the wounded, bind their hurts, and provide nourishment for their souls.
Lord, remind us that Your heart beats for Your people. You are the Good Shepherd who seeks us out, even when we wander. May our leadership reflect Your love and compassion.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
IV: Salvation for Israel
PARABLE OF THE SHEPHERDS
Ezekiel 34:1-16
First Reading | Ezekiel 34:1-11
1 The word of the Lord came to me: 2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, in these words prophesy to them: Thus says the Lord God: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who have been pasturing themselves! Should not shepherds, rather, pasture sheep? 3 You have fed off their milk, worn their wool, and slaughtered the fatlings, but the sheep you have not pastured. 4 You did not strengthen the weak nor heal the sick nor bind up the injured. You did not bring back the strayed nor seek the lost, but you lorded it over them harshly and brutally. 5 So they were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and became food for all the wild beasts. My sheep were scattered 6 and wandered over all the mountains and high hills; my sheep were scattered over the whole earth, with no one to look after them or to search for them. 7 Therefore, shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As I live, says the Lord God, because my sheep have been given over to pillage, and because my sheep have become food for every wild beast, for lack of a shepherd; because my shepherds did not look after my sheep, but pastured themselves and did not pasture my sheep; 9 because of this, shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. 10 Thus says the Lord God: I swear I am coming against these shepherds. I will claim my sheep from them and put a stop to their shepherding my sheep so that they may no longer pasture themselves. I will save my sheep, that they may no longer be food for their mouths. 11 For thus says the Lord God: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.
Background:
God condemns Israel’s leaders for their failure to care for the nation. Using the metaphor of shepherding, the chapter illustrates how these leaders (shepherds) oppressed the people (flock) within God’s kingdom. Instead of tending to the sheep’s needs, they focused on their own interests, leaving the flock vulnerable. God promises to save the sheep from oppressive rulers, search for them, and bring them back. Ultimately, a future shepherd—a second David—will care for God’s flock under His kingship. This message emphasizes genuine leadership as servanthood, prioritizing the wellbeing of others.
Learning Lessons:
Shepherds’ Responsibility: God addresses the shepherds of Israel, which includes both political and spiritual leaders. The metaphor of shepherding represents leadership. Just as shepherds care for their flocks, leaders should prioritize the wellbeing of those they serve. God rebukes shepherds who feed themselves instead of their flocks. They seek personal gain rather than self-sacrificial service. Jesus, the ultimate Shepherd, exemplifies this principle by giving His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Selfishness and Neglect: Unfaithful shepherds in Ezekiel’s time indulged in excess: eating the fat, clothing themselves with wool, and slaughtering the fatlings. However, they neglected their responsibilities: They didn’t strengthen the weak. They failed to heal the sick.
They didn’t bind up the broken. They didn’t seek the lost. Instead, they ruled with force and cruelty.
Application for Leaders Today: All leaders—whether in public or church life—should examine themselves: Are they serving for the benefit of others or for personal gain? Do they recognize their image in the mirror of Ezekiel 34:1-10? Godly leadership involves sacrificial care, humility, and genuine concern for those entrusted to their care. Remember, God’s heart is for His people. He seeks out, feeds, and binds their wounds even amidst judgment and exile.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
