Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock?” (vv.1-2)
This chapter is built around a contrast between God and the false shepherds, who were the political and religious leaders of Israel. These leaders had failed to care for the flock, instead they looked to profit at its expense (vv.1-6). God opposed such “shepherds” and would hold them accountable as “sheep” who had gotten fat while others starved (vv.7-10, 17–24). As the divine Shepherd, He would rescue His people from this horrible situation by shepherding the flock with justice (vv.11-16).
Verse 24 of our reading indicates that the Shepherd will be a descendant of David and God Himself. This messianic riddle is solved in Jesus Christ. He is our Good Shepherd and we are His sheep (John 10:1–16). We follow His voice as He leads us to green pastures and quiet waters. Whereas a hired hand runs away when a wolf comes, Jesus proved He is the true Shepherd by laying down His life for us. Those who follow Him can “have life, and have it more abundantly.”
If you would like to join His flock just pray the prayer on the right hand side of this page "Connect with God." God bless you as you follow where He leads.
The Truth: “I am the good shepherd, and b know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)
This chapter is built around a contrast between God and the false shepherds, who were the political and religious leaders of Israel. These leaders had failed to care for the flock, instead they looked to profit at its expense (vv.1-6). God opposed such “shepherds” and would hold them accountable as “sheep” who had gotten fat while others starved (vv.7-10, 17–24). As the divine Shepherd, He would rescue His people from this horrible situation by shepherding the flock with justice (vv.11-16).
Verse 24 of our reading indicates that the Shepherd will be a descendant of David and God Himself. This messianic riddle is solved in Jesus Christ. He is our Good Shepherd and we are His sheep (John 10:1–16). We follow His voice as He leads us to green pastures and quiet waters. Whereas a hired hand runs away when a wolf comes, Jesus proved He is the true Shepherd by laying down His life for us. Those who follow Him can “have life, and have it more abundantly.”
If you would like to join His flock just pray the prayer on the right hand side of this page "Connect with God." God bless you as you follow where He leads.
The Truth: “I am the good shepherd, and b know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15)
