God’s Message came to me: “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherd-leaders of Israel. Yes, prophesy! Tell those shepherds, ‘God, the Master, says: Doom to you shepherds of Israel, feeding your own mouths! Aren’t shepherds supposed to feed sheep? You drink the milk, you make clothes from the wool, you roast the lambs, but you don’t feed the sheep. You don’t build up the weak ones, don’t heal the sick, don’t doctor the injured, don’t go after the strays, don’t look for the lost. You bully and badger them. And now they’re scattered every which way because there was no shepherd—scattered and easy pickings for wolves and coyotes. Scattered—my sheep!—exposed and vulnerable across mountains and hills. My sheep scattered all over the world, and no one out looking for them!
7-9 “‘Therefore, shepherds, listen to the Message of God: As sure as I am the living God—Decree of God, the Master—because my sheep have been turned into mere prey, into easy meals for wolves because you shepherds ignored them and only fed yourselves, listen to what God has to say:
10 “‘Watch out! I’m coming down on the shepherds and taking my sheep back. They’re fired as shepherds of my sheep. No more shepherds who just feed themselves! I’ll rescue my sheep from their greed. They’re not going to feed off my sheep any longer! (Ezek 34:1-10)
Ezekiel’s message to the shepherds of Israel could be used today.
They made sure that they lived a life of luxury, eating the finest foods, wearing the best clothes, they were wealthy and rich. They didn’t feed the sheep with the true Word of God; instead they preached a false word, tarnished with manipulation, control and witchcraft. False visions, and prophecies, they left the sheep open to attack, exposed, and vulnerable.
When the sheep find out that they have been led astray, they will scatter and be lost.
Today, we are in the same situation, false prophets, pastors and teachers that choose to follow the empire and ignore the truth. When those sheep scatter because you have led them astray, God will hold you accountable.
