Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. Ezekiel 34:7-10 NIV
How many times have we heard that children have no respect for adults; that there are so few with any kind of work ethic in this country; or that we have too many "entitled" people living in this country? We blame the high crime rates and the poverty in this country on anything and everyone else; but, ourselves. We blame it on the schools. We blame it on the government. We blame it on Madeline O'Hare or maybe even Darwin. The truth is none of these are to blame for the lack of faithfulness and consequently the lack of morals or ethics in this country. The church is. The shepherds need to stand up and take accountability for the false teachings that they have promulgated.
If this country is and was actually a Christian Nation then why have Christians stood back while all these things we claim to detest become so predominant? Who was teaching and preaching the way of the Lord and his promises to those who believe in him? Who was and is standing on the Word? I don't mean the word that's been twisted around to please the itching ears of the people for that is exactly what has led to the sheep being scattered and wandering about lost in the first place.
I remember even as a teen-ager wondering why pastors taught something contrary to the word of God. Yes, even discerning teen-agers can know when a pastor is being faithful to the Word and when he or she is telling stories to ensure his or her salary; his or her pension; his or home medical insurance; and, the list goes on. This is not a new thing. It has been going on for a very long time; even before the time of Ezekiel.
The Lord reminds us over and over again throughout scripture to beware of false shepherds who have left the sheep to become food for wild animals; to become prey to a world who would overrun and destroy them.
It is not the governments fault nor even Madeline O'Hare's fault if the shepherds stood back accepting another truth and preaching the same. It is no one's fault; but, our own if the shepherds would not stand up and on the Word of God. If you're upset because the cross or nativity scene or even the ten commandments cannot be displayed in public consider this: As a Christian are they on display in your own yard; in your own home; even at your place of worship? Christians should not expect the world to conform to traditions, or ethics, or morals, or to walk in the way that Jesus would have us go, if we, ourselves, are not willing.
If you feel that Christians are losing ground in this country; if you feel the church is diminishing, ask yourself if you are going to be part of the problem or a part of the solution. Who do you think that the Lord is going to hold accountable for leading so many astray?
May God fill not just the shepherds; but, the sheep, as well, with the Holy Spirit so that we might be empowered to stand fast on the Word of God and proclaiming it faithfully to all of the world.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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