Ezekiel 34
EZEKIEL 34:7-10:
7 “Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As I live, declares the Lord God, surely because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild beasts, since there was no shepherd, and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep, 9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 10 Thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them. |
What are the consequences for shepherds who abuse their flock or neglect their duties in this way?
“I will demand my flock from them and prevent them from shepherding the flock. The shepherds will no longer feed themselves” These shepherds will shepherd no longer. There can be repentance. There can be a restoring of the sweet fellowship of the saints. But a shepherd who devours the sheep or allows the devouring of the sheep is no longer qualified for leadership. That disqualification is permanent. -John Reasnor; Lambs Reign |