CONTEXT

When we use verses from the middle of a chapter or from a book of the Bible, it is imperative we give thought to context and ask why the passage was written. Failure to consider context risks theological confusion.

Our text is located during the Babylonian exile, following the destruction of Jerusalem. A period marked by upheaval, loss, spiritual wanderings and uncertainty. Ezekiel’s message is directed toward Israel’s leaders. These were people entrusted with power and influence, yet they had forgotten the purpose of leadership.

INTRODUCTION

Leadership was never intended to serve itself. Leadership exists to serve others and create environments where people willingly offer their best. Instead, these leaders exploited, neglected and scattered the people. In simple terms, they oppressed the flock.
Yet one truth echoes through Scripture: corrupt leadership never has the final word.

THE DROUGHT OF GOOD SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

Although our reading begins at verse 11, verses 1-10 reveal the extent of the crisis. Verse 3 gives us a vivid picture: ‘You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.’ This is leadership turned inward, self-serving and feeding itself.

As we read these verses, we meet a God who is dissatisfied with those entrusted to care for his people. We encounter divine anger, not explosive or uncontrolled, but measured. Purposeful. Just.

It is difficult to read Ezekiel without recognising parallels with our own world. Poor leadership is not confined to religious institutions. We see it in organisations, workplaces, communities and even homes.

People are often exhausted not because life is hard but because leadership has become self-protective rather than life-giving.
As I reflected on this text, I remembered one of my father’s sayings when I was getting out of line. When I was younger, and had pushed my luck too far, he would say, ‘Delroy, if you don’t stop what you’re doing, I’m going to serve you a sauce.’ As a child, I imagined a gravy boat arriving at the table. What he meant was: enough is enough. Things are about to change if you do not stop what you are doing.

There is an unforgettable moment in Ezekiel when God says to the shepherds: Enough! I entrusted people to your care, and you have failed them. Therefore, I will remove you from your position and ‘I myself will become shepherd to my people.’

GOD’S DECISIVE ACTION

If we are not careful, we can miss the repeated declaration running through this passage.
‘I will…’
‘I myself will…’
This is not suggestion; this is divine intervention. God declares, my flock has suffered enough.

He will search for the lost. He will gather the scattered. He will feed the hungry. He will bind up the injured and he will strengthen the weak. That is our God.
This language is beautiful biblical poetry, but it is more than poetry. It is a picture of restoration.

God promises to create an environment where people can breathe again, where they are safe enough to rest, where healing becomes possible.
And this promise reaches beyond Ezekiel. In verses 23–24 God speaks of establishing one shepherd from the line of David. Christians recognise this promise fulfilled in Christ. He is the Good Shepherd who gathers, protects and lays down his life for the sheep.

APPLICATION

We live in a time marked by uncertainty, confusion and rapid change. Many people are anxious and unsure where stability can be found. However, this text reminds us of two things.

First, God remains just and present. He has not abandoned his people, nor surrendered his world. Second, and this is critical. Times like this call for courageous leadership. Leadership that serves and restores. Leadership that notices the vulnerable and creates spaces where people can breathe and thrive.

CONCLUSION

Whether in church, business, family or community, every one of us influences somebody.
The question Ezekiel leaves us with is this: will people experience your leadership as burden, or as shelter? You have a choice in the matter.
May we trust the Shepherd who says, ‘I will,’ and may we become people through whom others can breathe, heal and flourish.