My Sheep Were Scattered

God's Prophets Demand Justice
Amos Rails against Injustice

Micah Calls for Justice among Unjust People


God Shows Clemency

Ezekiel 34:1-6  The Message

When the Sheep Get Scattered

34 ^1-6 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!

 

For Reflection 

Ezekiel called the established religious leaders of Israel to account.  Charged with shepherding God's people, the religious leaders were exploiting their sheep.  Because of this corruption and abuse of power the people fled to avoid the abuse.

Because the leaders did not focus on supporting the community of believers, God will step in.  God will never abandon God's people.

Who are the Christian leaders today who exploit their followers?  How do you determine who is misleading and who is authentic?  Who is the modern time Ezekiel?  Who is fostering prophetic ministry?  How do you determine the prophet's authenticity?

Pray

for the wisdom to determine the authenticity of Christian leaders.  Pray that all Christian leaders will lead in such a way that builds community rooted in the Spirit of God.  Pray that you will lead people to a righteous life of fellowship, forgiveness, compassion, and justice.