footnotes

Heed the warning all church leaders—this includes paid & unpaid.
Ezekiel 34 footnotes from the Life Application Bible

Footnote 34:1:: Ezekiel called the exiles “Israel,” referring to all Jews in captivity from both the northern and southern kingdoms. Ezekiel criticized Israel’s leaders for taking care of themselves rather than taking care of their people. He outlined their sins (34:1-6) and pronounced judgment upon them (34:7-10). Then he promised that a good shepherd (the Messiah) would come who would take care of the people as the other leaders were supposed to do (34:11-31). This beautiful message portrays the fate of the present shepherds, the work of the new shepherd, and the future of the sheep.

Footnote 34:4-6:: God would judge the religious leaders because they were selfishly caught up in their own concerns and were neglecting their service to others. Spiritual leaders must be careful not to pursue self-development at the expense of broken, lost people. When we give too much attention to our own needs and ideas, we may push God aside and abandon those who depend on us.

Footnote 34:9, 10:: Those shepherds who failed their flock would be removed from office and held responsible for what happened to the people they were supposed to lead. Christian leaders must heed this warning and care for their flock, or total failure and judgment will be the result (see 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). True leadership focuses on helping others, not just on getting ahead.

Footnote 34:11-16:: God promises to take over as shepherd of his scattered flock. When our leaders fail us, we must not despair but remember that God is in control and that he promises to return and care for his flock. Thus, we know that we can turn to God for help. He is still in control and can transform any tragic situation into good for his Kingdom (see Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28)

Footnote 34:18-20:: A bad shepherd is not only selfish but destructive. A minister who muddies the waters for others by causing unnecessary fears, teaching false ideas, and acting sinfully is a detriment to his flock’s spiritual nourishment.

Footnote 34:23-25:: In contrast to the present evil shepherds (leaders) of God’s people (34:1-6), God will send a perfect shepherd, the Messiah (“my servant David”), who will take care of every need his people have and set up a Kingdom of perfect peace and justice (see Psalm 23; Jeremiah 23:5, 6; John 10:11; Hebrews 13:20, 21; Revelation 21). Peace here means more than the absence of conflict. It is contentment, fulfillment, and security.

…I’m so thankful for a 2 great spiritual leaders I have grown up with: my dad & brother. They are godly leaders, not selfish, but look out for the good of others. I’m thankful for such great examples. and really, I can't leave my amazing mother out of this plug either...especially now that she is Rev. mother :) Thank you God for an amazing family who I respect & admire!

Unfortunately I have witnessed and worked for other leaders (spiritual & not so spiritual) who are out for their own benefit & selfish ambition; they will walk on & over whoever it takes to make themselves look good. Eventually it kills the spirit of all those under them. I’m thankful to be relieved of those duties.