God raises up leaders to nurture their team. Read Ezekiel 34:1-16.

At the end of chapter 33 God has Ezekiel explain the fall of Jerusalem to the Jews living in exile in Babylon. In chapter 34 God uses an analogy of a shepherd to describe how leaders in Jerusalem had abused those entrusted to their care. Their actions were part of the problem that led to the destruction of Jerusalem. In verses 11-16 the Lord of Israel explains how He leads the people as the Great Shepherd and gives leaders today a model for care of those entrusted to them:

Often the most important personal and organizational changes are made when a leader is willing to receive and process bad news. Read Jeremiah 36:1-32.

Today’s study is best understood when put in the context of the history of the last 50 years of Judah’s existence. These are the years before Jerusalem was destroyed and Babylon deported and exiled the survivors.

In God’s economy, Christian leaders bear a special responsibility and accountability. Read Jeremiah 25:33-38.

God’s words delivered through the prophet Jeremiah paint a terrible picture of God’s wrath against the national and religious leaders of the nation of Judah. God will judge the guilty but reserves a special fury for corrupt leaders. Just as in ancient Judah, Christian leaders today will still be held accountable by God for how they use their gifts to administer the trust of leadership He has given to them.

Effective leaders are constantly seeking more wisdom. Read Isaiah 5:21.

The fifth chapter of Isaiah didn’t win Isaiah a popularity contest among the leaders and rulers of Judah. This is a harshly worded chapter of condemnation delivered by God’s prophet to those who had ignored God in lieu of self-interest and self-gratification. Many times during this chapter Isaiah uses the word “woe” as a threat to indicate that the people would regret something or be punished in some way for their actions.

Those who lead will be held accountable for how they use their power and influence. Read Isaiah 3:13-15.

God condemned Israel’s leaders because they abused the power of the office. When these leaders crushed the poor for their own profit they violated a trust with God concerning the gift He had given them. Their power and influence gave them a position that allowed them to display their true character and core values by their actions. They proved that the more power leaders gain, the more they reveal truths about themselves. Power not only allows but actually causes the heart to disclose its contents.