Ezekiel 34:4, is an insightful verse that highlights the failures of the shepherds (leaders) of Israel. This passage provides a biblical framework for understanding the responsibilities of spiritual leaders in the church:
Ezekiel 34:4 (NKJV): “The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them.”
Responsibilities of Spiritual Leaders
- Strengthening the Weak:
- Biblical Basis: Leaders are called to support and build up those who are weak in faith or struggling with life’s challenges. Paul emphasizes this in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NKJV): “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”
- Application: Church Leaders should provide encouragement, resources, and spiritual nourishment to help the weak grow stronger in their faith.
- Healing the Sick:
- Biblical Basis: Spiritual leaders are to care for those who are spiritually, emotionally, and sometimes physically sick. James 5:14-15 (NKJV) speaks to this role: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
- Application: Leaders should be involved in the ministry of healing through prayer, counseling, and providing practical assistance. Encourage members to go for health checks offered by most medical establishments.
- Binding up the Broken:
- Biblical Basis: This refers to comforting and restoring those who are brokenhearted or wounded. Isaiah 61:1 (NKJV), a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus, states: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me… He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted.”
- Application: Leaders should offer compassion, support, and pathways to healing for those who are hurting. Church members with suspected mental health illness should not be looked down upon but should be supported emotionally and spiritually. At the same time, if necessary, they should be advised to seek further treatment from mental health professionals in the community. Remember, it’s essential to create a compassionate and understanding environment for those facing mental health challenges within the body of Christ
- Bringing Back What Was Driven Away:
- Biblical Basis: Leaders should actively seek to restore those who have strayed from the faith. Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-7 (NKJV) illustrates the importance of seeking the lost: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine… and go after the one which is lost?”
- Application: This involves outreach, reconciliation efforts, and maintaining relationships to bring back those who have wandered away. As a church leader, remember that every ‘sheep’ God brings your way should be nurtured according to His will, not yours. Ultimately, you will give an account of your stewardship before God on the day of Judgment
- Seeking What Was Lost:
- Biblical Basis: Similar to bringing back the driven away, seeking the lost emphasizes proactive efforts to reach those who do not yet know Christ. Jesus’ mission is described in Luke 19:10 (NKJV): “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
- Application: Church leaders should be committed to evangelism and missions, spreading the gospel, and integrating new believers into the community.
- Ruling with Compassion, Not Cruelty:
- Biblical Basis: Leaders are to exercise their authority with gentleness and humility, not with force or cruelty. 1 Peter 5:2-3 (NKJV) advises leaders to “Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly… nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
- Application: This means leading by example, serving others, and exercising authority in a Christlike manner, characterized by love and humility.
Conclusion
Ezekiel 34:4 provides a powerful critique of failed leadership and a compelling blueprint for spiritual leaders in the church. Leaders are called to strengthen the weak, heal the sick, bind up the broken, restore the driven away, and seek the lost. Moreover, they must exercise their leadership with compassion and humility, reflecting the character of Christ. By fulfilling these responsibilities, spiritual leaders in the 21st century and beyond by the assistance of the Holy-Spirit will help foster a healthy, vibrant, and caring church community that mirrors the love and grace of Jesus Christ.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: Father help me to acquire the knowledge, understanding, wisdom and interpersonal skills needed to effectively lead the people you have committed into my hands in accordance to your will, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
