Jeremiah 25:32-38: a reflection

32The LORD of Armies says, “Behold, evil will go out from nation to nation, and a great storm will be raised up from the uttermost parts of the earth.” 33The slain of the LORD will be at that day from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth. They won’t be lamented. They won’t be gathered or buried. They will be dung on the surface of the ground. 34Wail, you shepherds, and cry. Wallow in dust, you leader of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions have fully come, and you will fall like fine pottery. 35The shepherds will have no way to flee. The leader of the flock will have no escape. 36A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of the leader of the flock, for the LORD destroys their pasture. 37The peaceful folds are brought to silence because of the fierce anger of the LORD. 38He has left his covert, as the lion; for their land has become an astonishment because of the fierceness of the oppression, and because of his fierce anger.

Jeremiah announces a sweeping judgment, a great storm of trouble moving from nation to nation, and within it, a particular woe falls on the leaders: Wail, you shepherds, and cry out; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. The shepherds, those who should have led, guided, and protected God's people, are singled out for lament and judgment, for they had failed in their charge. Those given the care of the flock bear a special accountability.

Notice where the woe is directed: to the shepherds, the leaders. The image of a shepherd was the standard picture of a leader, one entrusted with the care, guidance, and protection of others. And when the flock was scattered and harmed, the shepherds were held responsible; the ones who had the charge bore the accountability. Leadership over God's people, or over any who are entrusted to us, is not merely a privilege but a weighty responsibility for which we answer.

That is a sobering word for anyone who leads, in a church, a family, a community, any place where others are entrusted to our care. Leadership carries accountability. Those who have the charge of others, their guidance, protection, well-being, will answer for how they exercised it. It is not a role to take lightly or to use for our own advantage. If you lead, take seriously the weight of it: you are a shepherd, accountable for the flock in your care. Lead faithfully, guard those entrusted to you, and remember that shepherds answer for their sheep.

Lord, the woe fell on the shepherds who failed the flock, for those entrusted with others' care bear a weighty accountability. Wherever I lead, in a family, a church, a community, help me take seriously the weight of it. Remind me that leadership is not merely a privilege but a responsibility for which I will answer. Make me a faithful shepherd, guarding and guiding those entrusted to me, not using my charge for my own advantage. Help me lead as one who answers to you.