Good Shepherd / Bad Shepherd

You’ve heard of good cop, bad cop? Let’s talk good shepherd, bad shepherd. Jesus says He’s the Good Shepherd. Who are the bad shepherds?

You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you searched for the lost; but with force and with violence you have dominated them. They scattered for lack of a shepherd, and they became food for every animal of the field and scattered. My flock strayed through all the mountains and on every high hill; My flock was scattered over all the surface of the earth, and there was no one to search or seek for them. – Ezekiel 34:3-6

Let’s break this down:

• They exploit the flock-financially, materially, spiritually.
• They don’t take care of those who are sick or hurting.
• They don’t bind wounds or seek reconciliation.
• They don’t go after the lost.
• They dominate with intimidation and violence.

In short, the flock (the church) suffers because of the false shepherds. It’s scattered, divided, victimized.

This proclamation pertained specifically to the false shepherds of Israel, but it applies today. From progressive theology to the prosperity gospel and everything in between, those who should be leading the sheep into truth lead them astray. False shepherds care for themselves, not the flock.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. – John 10:10

We quote this verse, recognizing the thief as Satan. That’s true, but read John 10: 1-21, and you’ll see that it’s in the context of bad shepherds. They are doing Satan’s work.

What is their message?

Follow your heart. Bad idea.

Jeremiah tells us the heart is deceitful and sick. (Jeremiah 17:9)

Live your truth. There’s no such thing.

Jesus tells us He is the truth. (John 14:6)

Seek prosperity and ease. Those things don’t last.

Jesus tells us to store up treasures in heaven. (Matt 6: 16-21)

Why is the flock scattered? Why are they so easily led astray?

Hosea tells us God’s people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. (Hosea 4:6)

Candy-coated poison is still poison. Don’t swallow the lies of the false shepherds.

Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20 (ESV)

Follow His heart. Live His truth. Seek His kingdom. Don’t settle for anything less.