What responsibilities do leaders have to prevent scattering, as seen in Ezekiel 34:5?

The Warning in Ezekiel 34:5

“They were scattered for lack of a shepherd, and when they were scattered, they became food for all the wild beasts.” (Ezekiel 34:5)

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Key Truths Seen in the Verse

- Sheep scatter when leadership is absent.

- Scattered sheep become vulnerable prey.

- God lays the blame on shepherds who failed to act.

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Responsibility 1: Provide Presence and Direction

- Leaders must be among the flock, knowing them by name (John 10:3–4).

- Clear, consistent guidance keeps people moving together instead of drifting apart (Proverbs 29:18).

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Responsibility 2: Nourish with Truth

- Feeding on sound doctrine prevents spiritual weakness (Jeremiah 3:15; Acts 20:28).

- Regular, faithful teaching guards against deceptive winds of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14).

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Responsibility 3: Guard from Predators

- Watch for threats inside and outside the fellowship (Acts 20:29–30).

- Refuse to shrink back when wolves appear; protection is part of shepherding (John 10:12–13).

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Responsibility 4: Gather and Heal

- Seek the straying, bind the injured, strengthen the sick (Ezekiel 34:4).

- Cultivate unity and reconciliation so no one slips through the cracks (Psalm 133:1).

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Responsibility 5: Model Righteous Leadership

- Lead by example, not compulsion (1 Peter 5:2–3).

- Humble service reflects the Chief Shepherd and fosters trust (Matthew 20:25–28).

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New Testament Reinforcement

- Jesus felt compassion for crowds “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36).

- He declares, “I am the good shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11).

- Under-shepherds are called to mirror that sacrificial care.

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Putting It Into Practice

- Stay close: spend real time with the people you lead.

- Keep the table full: offer steady, Scripture-rich teaching.

- Stand guard: address false ideas and harmful influences promptly.

- Mend fences: pursue the wandering and promote forgiveness.

- Walk first: live the truths you preach so others can follow with confidence.