Five Sheep

Scripture: Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Lord God: Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat ones, but you do not feed the sheep. 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. So they were scattered, because there was no shepherd, and they became food for all the wild beasts. Ezekiel 34:2-5

Observation: Ezekiel 34 is a rich metaphor of sheep and shepherds. In this passage, God defined five types of sheep in need of care:

Weak sheep, who need to be strengthened
Sick sheep, who need healing
Injured sheep, who need their wounds cared for
Straying sheep, who need to be gathered back to the fold
Lost sheep, who need to be found

Application: I had heard a teaching on this many years ago, and did not know where it came from! That teaching was about five kinds of "sheep" whom the church - as shepherds - are to be caring for:

Weak sheep are those with a little faith but insecurities about their faith who need encouragement from others.

Sick sheep are those suffering from addiction and sin who need healing before they can accept the love of Jesus.

Injured sheep are people who have been hurt emotionally to the point of during away from God and need comfort.

Straying sheep are former believers who have left the church and turned from God, who need gentle correction and care.

Lost sheep are non-believers whom need the good news of Jesus.

This metaphor throughout Ezekiel is even deeper, though, as he declares that - because the shepherds (Judah) have lost their sheep - he will become the shepherd, and send the house of David to the sheep. Once gathered, he will then judge the sheep as well, taking action against those strong sheep that impede or bully other sheep. This is an amazing metaphor for today, with the church gathered under Jesus, but still in need of correction.

As a result, I see two questions for myself today:

1) Am I still looking to care for the five types of forlorn sheep?
2) Am I avoiding being a mean, pushy sheep within the flock?

I can honestly say that, at one time, the answer to both would have been a firm "no", however today it is a possible "yes" and certainly an improving conversation. I need to remain listening to my shepherd's voice.

Prayer: Father, abba, I am thankful you have gathered me to you! May I be a sheep content in the field and the water you provide at all times, not pushy and seeking more than my share, and not indifferent to others that struggle. Amen.