Ezekiel 34:4, God rebukes the unfaithful shepherds of Israel, saying, “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.”
In this passage, the shepherds represent leaders or caretakers, people who were supposed to guide and care for others. However, they neglected their responsibilities. Today, as Christians, we are also called to be shepherds—caring for, guiding, and helping those around us. This isn’t limited to pastors or church leaders; all believers can be shepherds to those in their lives, whether it’s within our families, at church, in Sunday school, on bus routes, or in our daily interactions.
Let’s look at the characteristic’s of a good Shepherd
1. A good shepherd strengthens the weak.
In contrast to the shepherds in Ezekiel who neglected the diseased, we are called to support those who are struggling because they are weak. This means people who are too weak to carry themselves spiritual. These are baby Christians who need help from stronger Christians.
This could mean offering encouragement, providing help during difficult times, or simply being a source of comfort when others feel discouraged. A good shepherd doesn’t overlook the weak but takes the time to lift them up and support them. In our churches, homes and with the people around us, we should be mindful of those who are feeling spiritually weak and seek to strengthen them.
2. A good shepherd also tends to the sick, both physically and spiritually.
The shepherds in Ezekiel failed to heal the sick, but we, as Christians, are called to care for those who are hurting. This involves not only praying for those dealing with physical illness but also offering support to those suffering spiritually. We can listen to those who are burdened, provide comfort, and point them to the peace and healing found in Christ. In doing so, we help others find comfort and strength in the Lord.
3. Binding up the brokenhearted is another trait of a good shepherd.
The unfaithful shepherds ignored those who were broken, but a true shepherd helps to heal wounds caused by life’s hurts and disappointments. This includes those who have been hurt by others in ways that have damaged their relationship with God. They may feel distant from Him, struggling to trust again. As good shepherds, we come alongside these individuals to help mend their broken hearts, encouraging them to find healing in Christ so they can restore their relationship with God.
4. A good shepherd also seeks out those who have strayed and gently brings them back.
In Ezekiel, the shepherds did not bring back those who had been driven away. Similarly, there are many around us who have wandered away from God and the church. They may feel lost, discouraged, or ashamed. As Christians, we are called to reach out to these individuals, guiding them back to the fold with love and compassion. It’s important for us to actively seek those who have lost their way and remind them of the grace and forgiveness available in Christ.
5. A good shepherd goes after the lost, reflecting the heart of soul-winning.
The unfaithful shepherds in Ezekiel failed to seek those who were lost, but as Christians, we should have a burden for those who do not yet know Christ. This means sharing the gospel and showing them the Bible way to salvation. We are called to be lights in the world, actively seeking those who are spiritually lost and pointing them to the hope found in Jesus.
6. Finally, a good shepherd leads with kindness, not cruelty.
Unlike the harsh and forceful shepherds in Ezekiel, a good shepherd leads with compassion. Jesus showed us that true leadership is about serving others with a gentle and loving spirit. We should strive to guide others with kindness, reflecting the love of Christ in all that we do.
Each of these points ultimately points us back to Jesus, The Good Shepherd.
In John 10:11, Jesus declares, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Unlike the unfaithful shepherds in Ezekiel, Jesus gave His life to save us. He strengthens us when we are weak, heals our hurts, binds up our wounds, and seeks us when we go astray.
As we strive to be like The Good Shepherd, we must follow the example of Christ. Whether it’s in church, in Sunday school, on bus routes, or among those we disciple, we have the opportunity to shepherd others with compassion and grace.
We can be good shepherds within our families, with our friends, in school, as partners, or even as an older sibling. Let’s ask God to help us look after His flock in every area of our lives, just as Jesus so faithfully looks after us.
