How does Ezekiel 34:3 highlight the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today? The Verse at a Glance “You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the choice animals, but you do not feed the flock.” (Ezekiel 34:3) Ancient Failure, Modern Warning • Israel’s shepherd-kings prized personal comfort, prestige, and gain. • God’s charge exposes the glaring contrast between self-interest and shepherding duty. • Because Scripture is accurate and timeless, the same standard still confronts every pastor, elder, and teacher today. What Spiritual Leaders Must Avoid • Self-indulgence — “You eat the fat” – Consuming resources that belong to the sheep rather than stewarding them. • Exploitation — “wear the wool” – Using the flock’s gifts and trust to enhance personal image or lifestyle. • Destructive neglect — “butcher the choice animals” – Sacrificing the well-being of the strongest members for personal advantage. • Spiritual starvation — “you do not feed the flock” – Neglecting rich, systematic teaching of God’s Word (cf. Amos 8:11). What Spiritual Leaders Must Pursue • Nourish with Scripture – “Feed My lambs…Tend My sheep” (John 21:15-17). – Preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27-28). • Sacrificial care – “The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). • Protection from error – “I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in” (Acts 20:29-31). • Humble oversight – “Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3). • Accountability to God – “We who teach will incur a stricter judgment” (James 3:1). Practical Checkpoints for Today’s Shepherds • Budget review: Does spending reflect mission or convenience? • Time audit: More hours in study and prayer than in platform-building? • Member health: Are the weakest receiving personal attention? • Teaching diet: Is the flock fed balanced, exegetical truth rather than opinions? • Transparency: Do leaders invite oversight and welcome correction? The Ultimate Example • Jesus embodies every quality Ezekiel 34 condemns in false shepherds. • He feeds, heals, searches, carries, and secures His flock (Ezekiel 34:11-16; John 10:27-30). • Modern leaders fulfill their calling only by mirroring His self-giving love and unwavering fidelity to truth. |
    |