Ezekiel Faithful Shepherd

[KAMALFoo]

There are two areas that stood out. There is an underlying expectation that shepherds were to be self-sacrificing in their work. I often question how far I am willing to go to be attentive to the needs of the flock. I find myself constantly torn between caring for the needs of the flock and caring for the needs of my family and caring for myself. To neglect either group would be tantamount to abuse.

A strong reminder from Ezekiel’s imagery is that as pastors we serve as under-shepherds of the master. Our flock is not our own. How many pastors have forgotten this truth and serve the people and the church as if they were owners and masters instead of stewards and servants? We must always be mindful of the imagery that we serve as under-shepherds of the great Shepherd.