Blessed to Be a Blessing

What does God expect of those He’s entrusted with much? He rebuked the shepherds who fed themselves while the flock scattered—because we are blessed to be a blessing.

“Ah, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves! Should not shepherds feed the sheep? … They were scattered, because there was no shepherd” (Ezekiel 34:2–5).

God was angry. Why? He had appointed people to positions of responsibility and given them resources to care for His people. But they ignored their flock and indulged in their own personal passions. Because of their negligence, many in the flock were scattered and lost. The weak were not strengthened. The sickly were not healed. The injured were not bound up.

Jesus described the day that He will sit “on His glorious throne,” when some will be put on His right, while others will be put on His left (Matthew 25:31–46). The ones on the right will be blessed to “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” How had they merited this reward? By showing concern for others, using the resources they’d been given to feed the hungry, give drink to those who were thirsty, show hospitality to strangers, clothe the naked, and visit the sick and those in prison. Jesus told His disciples that whatever they did to “one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”

In contrast, those on the left were sentenced to judgment. Why? Because they had not shown compassion or used their resources to help others and advance the Kingdom.

We’re given gifts of time, talent, and treasure not to hoard for ourselves, but to bless others and help meet their needs. God has blessed you that you might be a blessing.

Reflection Question: Are you helping those in need in any way you can?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ezekiel 34 say about leaders?

God rebukes the “shepherds of Israel” for feeding themselves while neglecting the flock, leaving the weak unstrengthened and the lost scattered. It warns that those given responsibility are accountable to care for the people in their charge.

What does “blessed to be a blessing” mean?

It means the gifts of time, talent, and treasure God gives aren’t for hoarding but for serving others. Jesus taught that caring for “the least of these” is done as unto Him (Matthew 25:31–46).