What the leaders Forgot

 Read Ezekiel 34.

Someone once said, "Influence is the platform God gives you to help others succeed."
God chose Abraham and his descendants to be His people.  He gave them a land for their own and promised to bless them.  After 1400 years, the rebellion and disobedience of the people resulted in the land being invaded and destroyed by two different empires.  The people had been scattered, killed, or taken captive.  What went wrong?

The message God gave to Ezekiel was that the leadership of the nation, both governmental and spiritual, failed to do their job.  Leadership is a stewardship.  The LORD compared it to that of a shepherd tending a flock of sheep.  What did they forget?

1. The responsibility of leadership. (vv.1-6)
They forgot the basic nature of their job description.
-Feed the hungry sheep.  Instead, the leaders took from the people enriching themselves. 
-Strengthen the weak sheep.  Instead, the leaders took advantage of those who needed empowerment and encouragement.
-Heal the sick sheep.  Instead, the leaders ignored those who had physical needs of help. 
- Care for the injured sheep.  Instead, the leaders had no compassion on those who had been hurt.
-Recover the stray sheep.  Instead, the leaders paid no attention to what happened to the people.
In each case, the leaders did the opposite of what they were supposed to be doing.  Their mind set was that the people were to serve them.  That thinking caused them to use force and harshness to get things done.
Jesus said, "You know the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.  It shall not be so among you.  But whoever would be great among you must be your servant." (Matthew 20:26)

2. The accountability of leadership. (vv.7-10)
They forgot that the people and the nation did not belong to them.  The leaders only occupied a position of influence for a time.  In verse 10, the Owner has a word for them.  "I will require my sheep at their hand...I will rescue my sheep from their mouths."  These were God's people and these who had treated His people wrongfully would be judged by Him.

3. The authority of leadership. (vv.11-31)
The Apostle Paul wrote: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities.  For there is no authority except from God." (Romans 13:1)  Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me."  (Matthew 28:18)  Notice, then, how God personally intervenes when leaders fail.  At least, twenty-three times in these closing verses the LORD states, "I will..."  Leaders are to serve the people they influence as under the authority of God.  Their shepherding work is to reflect the Owner and Chief Shepherd.

The prince named here, and referred to again in chapter 46, is "the man after God's own heart," King David himself.  Ultimately, there is one servant- shepherd over God's people; a descendant of King David (vv.23-24).
"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.  Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21)