Introduction/Background
The prophet Ezekiel writes the book during the Babylonian captivity. Here we have the Israelite who were carried out of their home land, away from their relatives, friends, and homes, and yes even their beloved temple at Jerusalem. Many had gone astray from God and followed many gods. This is the main reason that God allowed them to be carried off, so that they would once again turn back to Him.
In chapter 34, the Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the leaders of Israel. For, in essence, it was partly their fault that Israel had gotten into the spiritual shape that they were in. God longs to bring back His people, but warns to bring judgment on those who have ruled over the people.
Many commentaries have said that the term “shepherd” was in fact a title given to first the priests and Levites, secondly the Kings, princes and magistrates. Many of the ecclesiastical priests served as some type of political figure. Therefore, the warning includes all of these leader types. Today, in the twenty-first century, we can glean from the example of the shepherd imagery. By learning from the three indictments brought against the shepherds of Israel in Ezekiel 34, we can know what God expects from us as leaders over his people.
I would like to begin by sharing a true story with you. There were two women in their early 20’s who loved Jesus very much. They had just begun to visit a new church in town. The church was a very exciting place: the gifts of the spirit were in operation, the pastors seemed to be caring individuals, praise and worship was awesome! but much work needed to be done. The two young women volunteered their time and talents for the work of the Lord. The church began to grow, and so did the work load of these two individuals. Before long, their labors of love became expected by the pastor. The care and concern that these women had once felt from the leaders was gone. Instead, the demands for their efforts increased to keep the pastor pleased. Whatsmore, they were afraid to decline to perform duties because they had seen the outcome of members who had tried.
The pastor ruled over the congregation with much control, manipulation, fear tactics and guilt mechanisms to keep the people “in line” or doing what he wished. The pastor was there to be served, not to serve. It took one of the young women 3 years to reach burn out and almost had a nervous breakdown. The other, 4 years. Eventually they both left that church.
I. The first indictment: shepherds fed themselves (v. 2,3)
The first indictment we can learn from is that the shepherds fed themselves.
The picture we are given in this rebuke is that of a shepherd who is self-serving and greedy. He has no concern for the needs of the sheep, and instead of serving, expects to be served by them.
Let’s look at ways the shepherd fed himself, and took away from the sheep.
A. Eat the fat
He is said to ‘eat the fat’ in verse 3. Some believe it refers to the heavy taxation of the people, causing a hardship in their daily existence. The word “fat” translated also means milk. The priests were allowed to take a portion of the goods for their services, but in moderation. THey were oppressing the people by their greed in taking the most and best. You could say they were “milking them for all they were worth.” Overall, monetary resources were being taken from the pockets of the common man and put into the treasury of the authorities.
I believe here we can see that God’s people are not a means for us to become wealthy. Yes our resources come from them, within moderation, but we must not cause hardship among the people. What is our motivation? To provide a wealthy existence? To gain large paychecks?
B. Clothe themselves with the wool
In verse 3 we also see the phrase “clothe themselves with the wool.“ What does this mean? The leaders were decked out in the purest, finest most expensive wool around. While the sheep were in rags, pilfering around to make due, shepherds lived in prosperity. One commentary said that the sheep had been fleeced of the wool right off their backs.
While the sheep were half naked and stripped of their dignity, their leaders paraded in honor that did not rightfully belong to them. It’s alright to want to look right in the eyes of others, but at whose expense? Let us not take away the dignity of our parishioners so that we ourselves can look more respectable in the eyes of more prominent people.
C. Slaughtered the fatlings
The next statement is probably the most appalling of all. It said they “slaughtered the fatlings” (v.3). This refers to the very rich people who brought accusations against the leaders for the injustices. Instead of justice, these wealthy men were slaughtered. The plush estates went to the very ones they were trying to stop.
I thought it was interesting that one commentary said that the leaders could have reduced the esteem of the rich so that they felt compelled to give their finances. They were condescending and drew the wealthier to a place of complaisance. This means they would give out of a feeling of inadequacy and not ask questions. True shepherds do not resort to such tactics when leading the ones God has entrusted him with.
D. Did not feed the sheep
It is the shepherds’ job to make sure the flock is being fed. True shepherds lead the hungry flocks to green pastures to be nourished. When they are thirsty, he leads them to watering holes. He seems to know the best places and will go to extreme lengths to get them there. Sometimes they travel on narrow paths, rocky roads, and high places which could be dangerous.
God is rebuking these selfish men because they “did not feed the sheep” as seen in verse 3. This means that they did not feed their souls with sound doctrine. They were not concerned about the spiritual welfare of the people at all. Throughout other passages, God’s word is referred to as daily bread, or the substance for survival of the people. Here we have no word going forth.
What could this say to us? We are called to bring God’s word to people. We lead people to the places of receiving the Word of God and for them to drink the waters of the Holy Spirit. We must be willing, like a true shepherd, to lead them to these places even if its not convenient for us.
II. The second indictment: they Failed to do their jobs (v.4)
The second indictment we can learn from is that the shepherds failed to do their jobs. Let’s read the verse again to see the duties that they did not perform.
A. not strengthened the weak -
Shepherds would tend the ones that were weak. If the animals needed a place of quiet peaceful rest, he would lead them to such. Can you imagine how tired and weary the people were as they were homesick to return to their own land? They wanted to go back to Jerusalem. They were in a place not their own. As shepherds, we must strengthen the weak and dishearted. This world is not our home. We are strangers, aliens, foreigners, longing for our home with the Lord. Some need encouragement in their journey and walk.
B. not healed the sick -
Those in need of medicine, love and attention were left suffering. They were not cared for.
C. not bound up broken -
Shepherds knew how to set broken bones and would tend it until they were completely healed. WE can help set broken places in people’s lives that are broken. WE can help repair their relationship with God.
D. not brought near those that are far off -
Imagine a few sheep who stray away from the others, the shepherd would go over and gently nudge them back to the fold. A true shepherd will bring them back.
E. not sought the lost -
Are we concerned with those who are lost? Will we do our job and go out to minister to them? I am reminded of the words, “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.” Let’s go get the lost and bring them into the sheepfold.
Doesn’t this verse sound like a total negation of Isaiah 61:1-3? WE use this as our beacon in the ministry, to preach good news to the poor, heal the broken hearted, proclaim liberty to captives, etc. This verse 4 is the exact opposite.
III. The third indictment: they forceably ruled the people
The third indictment we can learn from is that the shepherds forcably led the people. They were tyrranical in their style of leading. We see this in verse 4.
A. Stifles growth of the flock due to abuse
Did you know that abusing a living being can actually prevent it from growing. Its growth cycles can be stunted or stifled. In the case of the people of Israel, the force and cruelty of the shepherds stifled their spiritual growth. God wanted them to repent and come back to Him so he could bless them. Spiritually, people need to be nurtured and cared for in order to grow into healthy, normal Christians - ones who would go out and take the gospel to the world they see daily.
Another way people are stifled is that their dreams and hope are crushed. We are a reflection of Christ to those who do not know him. When they look at us, they should see him. How can they have hope when they do not see his true nature? What if all they see are overbearing and controlling who lead by force, heavy handedness, and threats?
Jesus, our true and perfect shepherd, is our model and example of how treat others. He was kind hearted, gentle, loving, healing, ministering to people’s needs before his own. We as his followers and workman should strive to be that way too.
B. Ruling with force would cause the flock to scatter
Verse 5 says the sheep scattered because there was no shepherd. It wasn’t that there really was NO shepherd, for verse one says there was. What this denotes is the absence of leadership. The NIV Commentary of the OT puts it this way: “Lack of leadership always leads to the disintegration of God’s people and to personal and corporate heartache and injury.”
This leaves room for the enemies to come and attack. In a spiritual context, this would denote the enemy of our souls coming to pluck up the scattered believers. It is the shepherd’s responsibility to make sure the enemy’s are kept away. The sheep are innocent and sometimes do not see the dangers lurking out in the world. We are to keep watch over them and snatch them out of harms way even at our own expense. What kind of expenses could that be? Rejection? Rebuke? Reproach? Are we willing to give up our reputations and lay down our desires for fame, fortune for the sake of God’s people?
Conclusion:
I want to conclude with the same story that I began with. Do you remember the two girls that I spoke of? It wouldn’t be fair to leave you hanging on their outcomes. Because of a leader much like the one spoke of in our text today, one of them wants nothing to do with God. She doesn’t serve him, nor does she want to step through the doors of a church building.
The other young women serves God today. It is only because of God’s grace and mercy that she continued living for God, even after the hurt and pain she felt. For you see, there was a pastor who showed her some of the shepherding qualities that you and I want to possess. He didn’t just feed himself, did not fail to fulfill his calling, and he did not forcably rule over God’s people. Instead, he loved His congregation. He allowed the people to grow, to dream, to hope in God, yet watching out for snares that would lead them astray.
What I want to say to you today is that the task is big. We can’t do all these things on our own. We must depend on God and let him show us how to lead. Can we hear God’s heart today for His people? He cares for them. Soon he will entrust their lives to us. How will we respond to it? Will we seek our own fortunes? Allow ourselves to become calloused to the needs of others? There are many souls whose destinies we can effect. Let’s be who God wants us to be. Let’s become the leaders that he wants us to become.
