The
Shepherds Take from the Sheep
At first glance these proclamations by
the strange prophet Ezekiel seem to be far removed from the theme of
advent. A closer look at the reading,
and further in the chapter, reveals the fact that God is not only displeased
with the shepherds currently leading the sheep of Israel, but that he will
remove the current leadership and governing system, replace it with David, his
lineage, and ultimately the Messiah.
Hence, a possible old testament reference to the coming of Christ.
Living in the time between the first
and second advent of Christ, it is worthwhile to ask if the developed nations
of the world, the current shepherds, have become like those of ancient Israel,
and the third world people have become the new sheep. Have we reached such a stage of extravagance
that far too many sheep, including their natural resources, are required to
“feed” the shepherds? One obvious
example is the ongoing deforestation of the tropical rainforest in South
America. This not only takes from the
indigenous peoples’ resources, but upsets the natural balance of the fragile
ecosystem.
During the advent season, could it be
possible that old dry bones Ezekiel has a message that remains relevant today?
Prayer: God, remind us that Jesus came to redeem all of the world and that all should share in his bounty and
blessing, Amen
Warren Davenport
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