Topical Bible: Ministers: when Unfaithful: Deal Treacherously With Their People

◄ Ministers: when Unfaithful: Deal Treacherously With Their People ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, ministers are called to be shepherds of God's flock, entrusted with the spiritual well-being of their congregations. However, Scripture provides stern warnings and examples of ministers who become unfaithful, dealing treacherously with their people. This unfaithfulness is characterized by betrayal, deceit, and a failure to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to them by God.

Biblical Examples and Warnings

1. Ezekiel's Prophecy Against Unfaithful Shepherds: The prophet Ezekiel delivers a strong rebuke against the leaders of Israel who have failed in their duties. Ezekiel 34:2-4 states, "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: 'Woe to the shepherds of Israel, who only feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed their flock? You eat the fat, wear the wool, and butcher the fattened sheep, but you do not feed the flock. You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bound up the injured, brought back the strays, or searched for the lost. Instead, you have ruled them with violence and cruelty.'" This passage highlights the treachery of leaders who prioritize their own needs over the care of their people.

2. Malachi's Indictment of Priests: The prophet Malachi also addresses the unfaithfulness of priests who have corrupted the covenant with Levi. Malachi 2:8-9 declares, "But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of Hosts. So I have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law." Here, the priests' treachery is evident in their failure to uphold God's law and their leading others astray.

3. Jeremiah's Condemnation of False Prophets: Jeremiah speaks against prophets who deceive the people with false visions and lies. Jeremiah 23:16 warns, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" The treachery of these prophets lies in their misleading messages, which deviate from God's truth.

Consequences of Unfaithfulness

The Bible makes it clear that unfaithful ministers who deal treacherously with their people face severe consequences. God holds them accountable for their actions, as seen in Ezekiel 34:10 : "This is what the Lord GOD says: 'Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will demand My flock from their hand and put an end to their shepherding. The shepherds will no longer feed themselves, for I will rescue My flock from their mouths, so that they will no longer be food for them.'" God's judgment is a direct response to the betrayal and neglect of His people.

Call to Faithfulness

Despite the warnings and examples of treachery, Scripture also provides a call to faithfulness for ministers. In 1 Peter 5:2-3 , the apostle Peter exhorts, "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This passage emphasizes the importance of serving with integrity, humility, and a genuine concern for the well-being of the congregation.

In summary, the Bible presents a clear picture of the dangers and consequences of unfaithful ministers who deal treacherously with their people. Through prophetic rebukes and apostolic exhortations, Scripture calls for a return to faithful and righteous leadership, ensuring that God's people are cared for and guided according to His will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:12
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees: and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook