Today, I am reading and commenting on  Ezekiel 34-36.

Ezekiel condemns those who enter into positions of leadership, especially religious leadership, because of what is in it for them.   Specifically, he talks about those who do not strengthen the weak, heal the sick, or bind up the wounded, all while enjoying the benefits of their position.  Perhaps the strongest condemnation comes in the line, “You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost.”  Which reminds me of Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Sheep where we see just how important to God are the lost.  However, the warning which Ezekiel gives is not just for those who take up positions of leadership.  He also condemns those who are stronger, whether in faith, or worldly power, who use that strength to bully and harm those weaker than themselves.  I look at our society today and see one which looks very much like that which Ezekiel condemns.  However, God promises to Himself care for His sheep and cast out those shepherds who serve only themselves while judging between the sheep.  I pray that I, and none of you reading this, fall into the class, either as shepherd or as sheep, which Ezekiel condemns here.

I use the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.