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Ezekiel 34 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
There are so many false teachers out there who twist the message of the Bible to have personal and selfish benefits. Muddled behind spiritual words is a subtle self-glorifying message. Ultimately, the concern is not about the things of God or the glory of His Gospel but of personal and material gain. Often this teaching is recognized by the “if you give this, you get that” type of formula. But, if the reason we follow Jesus is because we are hoping to gain all kinds of personal glory, we will miss something much greater. The true meaning of service and sacrifice comes in a package of unconditional love. Unconditional.
Most of the shepherds (kings, priests, prophets) of Israel’s time were more concerned with their own lives than the sheep who were wandering away from the pasture. They actually clothed themselves with the fleece from the flock instead of feeding them! Consider that point alone. How many false Bible teachers are putting a spiritual twist on their ministry just so you will mail them a check? They promise the world to these people and substitute the true nourishment with material gain in order to fill their own pockets. It was disgusting then and it’s equally offensive today!
These pumped-up “ministries” (I use that term very loosely) are able to acquire things like mansions and personal jets while millions of orphans and widows struggle to survive. Not only that, but the true Gospel gets undermined for a false Gospel of prosperity and personal comfort!
Jesus asks us to follow His example. He came and gathered His sheep. He served His sheep to the point of laying down His life for them. The writings of Ezekiel here are so beautiful because they point to our Savior – The Messiah.
“I will seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick; but the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them with judgment.
Ezekiel 34:16 NASB
Again, consider that last statement. The fat and the strong He will destroy. A self-indulgent leader will face his judgment in due time. In the end, true motives will be exposed and we will see who has been faithful to serving and who hasn’t. The call to follow Jesus is clear. Die to self in order to glorify Christ and serve His sheep. We need true shepherds today more than ever.