Eze 34:8 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;
The Lord was against the shepherds, the pastors of Israel because of the selfish neglect of the flock, His people. As they wandered from the fold to the dangerous places, the shepherds busied themselves with self-serving pursuits. This didn't mean that they were beyond killing a fat, neglected sheep when it served their purpose.
I think a valid paralell can be be drawn with church pastors who spend more time playing than praying. They do more preying on the sheep than praying for the sheep. Personal comfort trumps comforting the afflicted.
It is this self-serving attitude of pastors which will draw the angst of the Almighty if not repented of.
The calling of a shepherd is a calling "from" as well as a calling "to."
No doubt, the calling of God is a call to minister to others. But it also means a sacrifice of personal ambition, aggrandizement, agenda and amassing of worldly goods.
I am not saying that a preacher is not to enjoy life to its fullest, but he must keep ministry first and foremost. The man of God has a trust from God to lead, feed and pay close heed to the flock.
We are assured that there is a wonderful crown awaiting a faithful pastor at the judgment seat of Christ.
1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
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