Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God unto the shepherds, woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves. Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ezekiel 34:2
Since Kim Jong Un succeeded his late father as the leader of North Korea, a few changes are visible in the country’s capital city of Pyongyang. Stores have more items on display, Markets have more people setting up stalls to sell food, snacks, and other merchandise. Some people are wearing modern, colourful clothing, and are seen on the streets talking on their cell phones. But inside observers say it is all a facade, that little has changed for the poor and hungry country people. Most workers are forced to get by on about a dollar a month in salary, and the price of rice has doubled in recent months. Millions are undernourished because of a lack of food and a lack of resources to buy or grow food. But what about Kim Jong Un, how does he fare in all this poverty? Like his father before him, he surrounds himself with opulence, with the best of clothes, homes, and cars, with the world’s finest wines and foods. It costs a fortune to sustain his lavish lifestyle. Like the shepherds in our text, he is interested in feeding only himself although he has the power to ease his people’s suffering.
It is a sad and shameful thing to have shepherds who care more for their own stomach than for the welfare of their flocks. We see spiritual shepherds, or at least men who claim to be spiritual shepherds, filling their own pockets and bellies at the cost of their congregations’ welfare. These men use enticing words and flowery promises to gain a following, and then feed them with nothing but fluff. In denominational systems where one man can rise to prominence and hold great power, this type of abuse can more readily occur than in the environments of Assemblies where the plurality of oversight acts as a preservative for the truth of Scripture. But we still need to guard against shepherds who might be more interested in themselves than in the flock.
Yes, it is the responsibility of shepherds to feed the flock, and we can give thanks that God has given us such shepherds. These men know the meaning of sacrifice for the good of the saints, because they care for the flock. They are also aware that they must give an account to the Chief Shepherd. There is an accountability that preserves, but we are not immune to problems. Prayer for our shepherds, and appreciation for their faithfulness should mark us God’s people.
When the shepherds feed us, let us give thanks. When they do not, let us pray. -Jim MacIntosh