Work

• Gibson, Richard John (1960-)

• 1995-07-25

• Moore Theological College

• Gibson preaches on the topic of Christian leadership based on Ezekiel 34. The passage is addressed to the leadership of Israel. In verses 1-10, God laments on the failure of the leaders, charging them of greed and neglect. The leadership is evidently exploiting the people of Israel, gaining for themselves and failing to keep up their responsibilities for the people. They have also neglected the weak and needy and instead ruled harshly. As a result of the dereliction of duty, God holds the leadership to account for the fate of the people, lamenting the scattering of the people. For the Christian leader, ministry holds great responsibility and is a significant undertaking. 1 Peter 5 reminds readers to tend the flock for the sake of others, with tenderness and gentleness. Jude warns us of false teachers. Paul warns the Ephesians in Acts 20 of wolves who pose a danger for the congregation. Ezekial 34 contains a promise at the end of verse 10, that will see God rescue the sheep, intervening personally. In the deepest hour of judgement, God speaks with graciousness and love, promising a true shepherd. Jesus encountered a world without a shepherd and is filled with compassion for the people. The same phrase is used in Matthew 9 where Jesus is confronted by people without a leader. In response to the situation, Jesus asks His followers to pray for harvest workers to go out into the harvest field. The True Shepherd seeks and saves the lost, even at a great personal cost. Ezekiel 34 outlines the reality that the people of God are ultimately His rather than the leaders who acted as shepherds. God ultimately proves His ownership over all Christians by paying for them with His blood on the Cross.

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• https://archives.moore.edu.au/documents/detail/224473 

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