Ezekial 34 speaks is God's promise that he will send a shepherd to his people. The promise includes showers to water the earth; vegetation for food; and protection from those who would devour them. During my prayers, my mind was drawn back to a news story I heard yesterday morning.
The reporter was speaking of a world-wide food crisis. From Haiti, he drew examples of how this was affecting many of the world's poor. In a country where most live on less than $2 a day, the cost of a cup of beans has risen to 40 cents. Even the woman selling beans in the square said she cannot afford to feed her own children.
We take so much for granted. We assume a high degree of luxury. Separated as we are, we may find it difficult to understand the promise contained in portions of the Bible, like Ezekiel 34. The promise from God, to shepherd and to protect rings hallow in our ears.
There are many causes of this world-wide food crisis. One of them is increased demand. When demand goes up, it is those with the money to buy who disadvantage those who lack financial resources. In essence, those who are rich and fat are part of the problem.
I felt, in reading Ezekiel 34, that I might be a bit like those self-righteous persons in Sunday's gospel lesson who did not perceive that Jesus was talking about them. I worry, that I might be sitting my comfortable chair, praying for the world's hungry populations and failing to understand my role in their being so.
The life of a disciple includes bible study and prayer. It certainly also includes self-examination and self-evaluation. How do my behaviors reflect the hope and promise of the One whom I call Lord? Am I assisting His efforts at shepherding? I have no answers this morning. Only a concern. My answers may come when I step back and examine my life and my actions in caring for the least.
Pastor Chris
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