Ezekiel was one of many prophets who during a time of Israel's captivity, took note of pastors, also called shepherds who abused their authority. The prophet told the people that God would not allow the wickedness of the shepherds to come between Him and them forever. Judgment Day was on the way for such leaders, but what would the people do until it arrived.

If Ezekiel's words were only a proclamation against evil shepherds, it would be scary enough, but the thought that God tolerates such abuse from shepherds of the flock for one day can lead to outright fear. Most of us know the security of a safe place to live and can worship in freedom from harm. But what if a wolf could put on a shepherd's suit and walk among the flock with unhindered?

It's because of the dependence of sheep for the Great Shepherd, that God promises to deliver them from potential danger. But when will you send relief, God? When can we look to You to deliver us from the evil one as our Lord prayed in Matthew 6:13? Will you rescue us from evil shepherds or will they use their position of trust to tempt and terrorize us? Ezekiel gave us an idea of God's timing. He said it would come in season and when it came, overflowing blessings would fall like rain from the sky.

I pray we'll learn something about God by hearing His words through the prophets. We know that things will get bad, but we can count of God to deliver His children from evil and make things right in the end. Until then, we need to fill ourselves with God's word and hear everything else through the filter of the Holy Spirit, even when those words come from behind the pulpit.

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ez. 33:1-34:31 Hb. 13:1-25 Ps. 115:1-18 Pr. 27:21-22 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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