ESOCS Devotional 8 August 2021
TEXT: EZEKIEL 34:1-10
MEMORY VERSE: “… Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” (Ezekiel 34:2).
At a time when those who are meant to be shepherds have decided to feed fat from the flocks, there is therefore the scarcity of good shepherds. It is good we note that the flocks are precious to God and He is willing to do anything to keep them safe and flourishing. Therefore, if for any reason God commits the flocks into your hands for shepherding, you should be committed to the work; and you should be diligent about it and work with humility, also. Understand that it is a privilege to be called by God to work for Him. It should not be taken for granted.
God placed a curse on the shepherds who were not cautious in their work, and who feed themselves fat at the expense of the flocks: “… woe be to the shepherds of Israel…” The shepherds had the following attitudes:
Selfishness: They were selfish and self-centred. They did not care about the spiritual and material welfare of the flocks, neglected and exploited the flocks in every possible way, and were careless at their duty post, and thoughtless. Many supposed shepherds today are like them. The shepherds were more interested in material acquisition and extortion of the flocks. Today in our time, we find many of them who are more interested in building business empires, rather than building kingdom citizens.
The story is the same todays. They do not seek the lost sheep, and leave them to wander away from the Lord. They do not teach or preach the undiluted gospel but embellish it for their selfish ends. They would have their due reward from the Lord. But we should imitate Christ the Good Shepherd, who even gave His life for the sheep (John 10:11).
- As a shepherd, work effectively at your duty post.
- Pray God to give you the Spirit to be diligent in the work of the ministry.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Deuteronomy. 6:1-12; John 18:28-40; Hebrews 13:1-19
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ESOCS Devotional 8 August 2021
