20221204

trampling the pasture

Ezekiel 34:17-19 (JDV)

Ezekiel 34:17 ” ‘As for you, my flock, the Lord Yahveh says this: Notice, I am going to judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and goats.
Ezekiel 34:18 Is it too little for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Or that you drink the clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet?
Ezekiel 34:19 Yet my flock has to feed on what your feet have trampled and drink what your feet have muddied.

trampling the pasture

Notice that Ezekiel tells the shepherds that he is going to judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and the goats. Our Lord said that he is going to do that — separate the sheep from the goats, based on how they treated the least (Matthew 25:31-46).

The leaders of Israel need to know this. They need to know that they will be judged based on how they treat those who follow them. God holds each individual responsible for his acts, but he also holds the leaders responsible for their leadership. Leaders who trample the pasture are twice condemned because their negligence leads to failures among the flock.

LORD, help us to follow you faithfully and lead others with integrity.