Some people are chosen to take responsibility for decision-making. To lead and devise policies that benefit as many people as possible. We may find ourselves in leadership roles within our families, homes, workplaces, churches, or even in government. Whatever the context of leadership, the message God wishes to convey is essentially the same: to be a good leader, like a shepherd who tends his flock with love and to the best of his ability. 

In the passage we have read, the Lord once again offers counsel to the nation’s leaders. Israel was once led by wicked shepherds, who allowed the Lord’s sheep to go astray and be scattered. A shepherd’s duty is to tend the sheep, but here they have instead led the sheep astray. Therefore, the Lord will punish these shepherds for their wickedness. 

After the judgement has been pronounced upon these wicked shepherds, the Lord continues His work by gathering these scattered sheep. Now the Lord takes over the task that was previously entrusted to the shepherds. The Lord will also appoint over them shepherds who will truly carry out their duties well. That is God’s promise, based on His great love. 

Today we learn that our conduct as leaders is, in fact, part of living out God’s love, which shows us the right path. If we are entrusted with leadership, let us reflect: have we treated those we lead with the utmost care? Meanwhile, whilst we are aware that some leaders are like shepherds who do not act well, let us continue to place our hope in the Lord, for He will not stand idly by and will provide help for us.