September 8

Ezekiel 34-36
The Lord holds the shepherd accountable for his treatment of the flock.  And, of course, he holds the flock accountable for their treatment of each other.  Peter tells us that those who instruct in the word will be held to a higher standard.  We have an obligation to not only preach the word, but to live it, and to help others to do the same.  The shepherd is to look after the flock, guiding them in the ways of the Lord.  When a shepherd is lax in his duty toward the flock, he can know with surety that God is not pleased, and that He will punish the shepherd accordingly.  On the other hand, when the shepherd has fulfilled his duty, and those in the flock fail to follow his leading, they must know that they, too, will be judged for their wrong doing.  It is a difficult thing to preach the judgment, but it is necessary, because judgment is just as real as salvation!