That could be a newspaper headline for Ezekiel 34. Wozer!
It is important to know that biblically a shepherd represents a king, prince, or overseer that can be political or spiritual that is in charge of leading God's people.
God asks, "Should not shepherds feed their sheep?"
God does not tolerate leaders that are self-indulgent, greedy, uncaring, or self-serving.
God makes it very clear He is against shepherds who only feed themselves.
God does not tolerate shepherds that do not clothe, feed, strengthen, heal, bind, bring back lost sheep, scatter sheep, or protect their flock.
The warnings are a comfort for the one who hears because God speaks of promises found in emphatic I WILL statements.
I am against the shepherd that does these things.
I will require my sheep at their hand.
I will put a stop to their feeding sheep.
I will rescue my sheep from their mouths.
I will seek out my sheep.
I will rescue my sheep.
I will bring them out from the peoples and nations where they are scattered.
I will bring them into their own land.
I will feed them on the mountains of Israel.
I will feed them on good pastures.
I will give them good grazing land to lie on.
I MYSELF WILL SHEPHERD MY SHEEP.
I MYSELF WILL MAKE THEM TO LIE DOWN.
I will seek the lost.
I will bring back the stray.
I will bind up the injured.
I will strengthen the weak.
I will destroy the fat and the strong.
I WILL FEED THEM JUSTICE.
God then speaks very clearly to His flock. The above was a warning to the Shepherd gone astray. Below is the promises given to His sheep who hears HIS voice.
I will make a covenant of peace and Banish wild beasts.
I will make it so my sheep dwell securely.
I will make them places of blessings.
I will send them showers of blessings.
I will bless them with fruitful trees and fields.
I will make them secure.
I will break your bars of yoke.
They will know I AM THE LORD!
I will deliver them.
They will no longer be prey to the nations.
I will provide plantations.
They will no longer suffer, be hungry, or receive the reproach of the nations.
THEY WILL KNOW I AM THE LORD!
You are my sheep. The sheep of My pasture. I AM YOUR GOD! Declares the LORD!
A leader's service must be for the benefit of others and their community. God does not tolerate self-indulgent leaders.
