Good Shepherds Bind up the Flock
the injured you have not bound up
In the following post, we will be discussing the third clause in this verse.
Ezekiel addresses the failings of the shepherds of his day, and the application to today’s environment is uncanny.
Ezekiel 34 :4
The weak you have not strengthened, the sick you have not healed, the injured you have not bound up, the strayed you have not brought back, the lost you have not sought, and with force and harshness you have ruled them.
True Shepherds Bind up the Broken
This portion of the verse we are considering needs to have some terms defined.
Binding
Binding speaks of bandaging, or restraining. Throughout the book of Ezekiel, this term pictures a tying or fastening. See below for Strong’s definitions.
Broken
Broken defines many types of damage, such as rupturing, crippling, rending violently, being wrecked, crushed or quenched. See below for Strong’s definitions.
True Shepherds Mend the Flock
Ezekiel is describing a very damaged and hurting flock. He is also describing a flock that is being ignored by those who have a calling to minister to them.
In the New Testament, Jesus mentioned the binding the shepherds of Israel were performing. It has changed somewhat since the days of Ezekiel, but only for the worse.
Instead of ignoring the flock the shepherds seem to be taking advantage of the flock. The flock was hurting, and the shepherds loaded them down with burdens, and refused to help them.
Matt 23 :4
4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.
Story Time
Recently, I was sitting in a McDonald’s trying to enjoy a cup of java, watching those about me. Things have not changed much about the flock of God. Many in this place seem (only God knows) to be aimless and placing their trust in empty promises.
Just this weekend many folks trusted in the hope of a Mega Millions lottery, where the jackpot was over $640,000,000.
Did you hope in this?
Winning the lottery is a proven recipe for disaster, yet so many hope in the chance of winning more money than they need.
Prov 23 :5
When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
for suddenly it sprouts wings,
flying like an eagle toward heaven.
Prov 11 :4
Riches do not profit in the day of wrath,
but righteousness delivers from death.
Prov 11 :28
Whoever trusts in his riches will fall,
but the righteous will flourish like a green leaf.
The sad thing is that many shepherds in the church would encourage seeking this worlds goods. Simply to live in opulence or to find comfort and safety. They would say that He died so that we might live (in comfort)! He became poor that we might have (physical) riches. These dear folk need to read the Bible instead of their imaginations.
Some shepherds in the church would allow (encourage?) the chasing of the wind (seeking wealth), with justifications such as
If you win you could support the poor
If you win you could help your children
If you win, you could build a church
If you win you could help missionaries…..
It is a rare person that can steward earned wealth properly. Earned wealth is a trust that is granted from the Lord and it is a responsibility to be faithful in the correct distribution of it, to honor the One who bought us.
I can’t imagine the burden and distraction of “found” money, and the emotional turmoil it would cause.
Keep it away! Father, help me understand that riches are a false hope. May You bind up our brokenness, and in that binding, give us the desire and wisdom to help others find Your mercy and kindness.
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