The Fall of Kingdoms and the Rise of False Shepherds: A Wake-Up Call for Our Times

In the annals of history, the story of Israel stands as a stark reminder of the consequences of leadership gone awry. Following the death of King Solomon, the once-united kingdom fractured into two, each governed by its own king, and the spiritual unity that had held the nation together crumbled under the weight of idolatry. God, in His mercy, sent prophets to guide His people back to righteousness, but the warnings went unheeded. The northern kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722 BC, and the southern kingdom met a similar fate at the hands of the Babylonians in 597 and 587 BC. These historical events serve as a powerful backdrop to the contemporary crises we face, where the metaphor of shepherds and sheep continues to resonate. Our thesis is clear: the failure of leaders, both spiritual and secular, to care for their flocks has led us from one crisis to another, echoing the ancient warnings of prophets like Ezekiel.

The Historical Context: Israel's Division and Fall

The unity of Israel was shattered after the death of King Solomon, resulting in two separate kingdoms. This division was not merely political; it was a deep schism in the religious fabric of the nation, leading to rampant idolatry. God's response was to send prophets who warned of the consequences of such disobedience, including the withdrawal of His protective hand. The northern kingdom's fall to Assyria in 722 BC marked the beginning of a tragic pattern. Despite this, the southern kingdom did not heed the warning, and in 597 and 587 BC, Babylon conquered Jerusalem, destroying the temple and taking many into captivity. This historical sequence illustrates the dire consequences of failing to follow divine guidance.

Ezekiel's Prophecy: A Call to Accountability

Ezekiel's prophecy against the shepherds of Israel is a poignant critique of leadership. He accuses them of self-interest, neglecting the flock's needs, and failing to care for the weak, sick, and injured. The shepherds' failure led to the scattering of the sheep, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Ezekiel's message is clear: God will hold these leaders accountable and will Himself take on the role of the shepherd to rescue and care for His flock. This prophecy is not only a historical account but a timeless warning against leaders who prioritize their own gain over the welfare of those they lead.

Modern Crises: The Echoes of Ezekiel

Today, we find ourselves navigating a myriad of crises—financial, banking, refugee, education, climate, health, and economic. These crises are not the creation of the common people but the result of actions by modern shepherds—secular and spiritual leaders who have failed their flocks. Financial speculators, lobbyists, pharmaceutical giants, tech corporations, and ideologues have amassed power and wealth at the expense of the many. The rhetoric of "wanting what's best" often masks a deeper intent to exploit and control. The recent global health crisis has further exposed the true intentions of many leaders, revealing a focus on power and profit rather than the well-being of the people.

The Political Dimension of Prophetic Words

Ezekiel's prophecy carries a political note, critiquing not only spiritual leaders but also secular rulers. This dual focus is evident in the modern context, where political parties and leaders have been criticized for their power-hungriness and exploitation of the state. Historical figures like Richard von Weizsäcker and Hans-Herbert von Arnim have lamented the corruption and self-interest of political entities. Wolfgang Thierse and Wolfgang Schäuble have highlighted the disempowerment of the people and the manipulation of crises for political gain. These examples underscore the relevance of Ezekiel's message in today's world, where the actions of leaders continue to impact the lives of the many.

The Promise of the True Shepherd

Amidst the failures of human leaders, God's promise to care for His sheep remains steadfast. Ezekiel's prophecy culminates in the assurance that God Himself will search for the lost, bind up the injured, and shepherd the flock with justice. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who declares Himself the good shepherd, committed to giving His sheep eternal life. This divine assurance offers hope and a call to action for us to turn to the true Shepherd, who never abandons His flock.

The story of Israel's division and fall, coupled with Ezekiel's prophetic warning, serves as a timeless reminder of the consequences of leadership failure. From ancient times to the present, the metaphor of shepherds and sheep continues to resonate, highlighting the need for leaders who prioritize the welfare of their flocks over personal gain. As we conquer the myriad crises of our time, let us heed the call to turn to the true Shepherd, who offers hope and eternal life. Let us hold our leaders accountable and strive for a world where justice and care for the vulnerable are paramount. In doing so, we align ourselves with the divine promise and the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Sermon held on 04/18/2021