"Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; Prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not the shepherds take care of the flock?"...
...I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord.
Ezekiel 34:2 &15 NIV
Today's verses, like many verses of the Bible lead us to consider, reflect, and learn nuances, skills of and qualities of leadership.
As parents, fathers are advised by Ephesians to not exasperate children, but rather bring them up in training and instruction of the Lord. We have read of Moses' leadership skills being developed, sharpened, and refined by experiences of his youth, young adulthood, exile to Midian, dealings with Pharaoh, and of his actual leadership during the years in the wilderness. We saw Moses mature to the point of, when a problem developed, he immediately, without any hesitation "fell face down," to pray and seek the Lord's guidance.
Consequences of leaders good and bad choices have been shown to us in Scripture; remember David and Bathsheeba and the effects on the house of David that resulted from David's string of poor choices.
If individuals, leaders, and nations do not seek first to be in God's perfect will, plan, and follow the Spirit; then God will turn individuals, leaders and nations over to a "depraved mind, to do what ought not be done."
Today's verses allow us to consider enduring, unchanging attributes of God like; caregiver, source of rest, provider, comforter, and powerful. These attributes have been, are and will be attributes of God; when leaders may turn from the path of God's plan.
Individuals, leaders and nations should seek first the Kingdom of God; for much will be added when the kingdom is first sought. Is it not comforting to know that in the event that when a leader or a nation is not seeking the kingdom first that God with his unchanging attributes is ready to provide rest, to give us a place to lie down?
What are you doing to seek first God's kingdom?
How are you guiding your leaders? Are you praying for your leaders? Are you, with the Spirit's guidance, showing a good, loving example for your leaders and nation?
Pray that individuals, leaders, and nations will seek first God's perfect plan, and that God's perfect plan of salvation by grace through faith in His Son's work can be proclaimed.
In Christ,
David P
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