All you wild beasts, come and devour, you wild animals of the forest. 10 Blind watchmen, all of them! They have no revelation knowledge; they’re like dumb dogs that don’t even bark— dreaming, sleeping, devoted to slumber. 11 They’re greedy dogs that never eat enough. And the shepherds have no discernment; they follow their own desires. Every last one of them seeks his own profit. 12 Each one says, “Let’s get wine and liquor and have a party! And tomorrow, more of the same, except even better!” Isaiah 56:9-12

Sobering words for leaders who ignore their responsibility. They are not watching for God or for spiritual attacks that are coming to the people.They have no voice, no current word from God, from not being in His presence. They rely on their own knowledge, what others have received, or television or social media opinions. To be sleeping when we should be awake and watching is due to selfishness and spiritual burn-out.

I know many good pastors who came out of the last few years tired and less motivated to pray and listen and lead. Many are afraid to speak about what is happening in our world today for fear of offending someone on either side of the political spectrum. What they do instead is keep everything light and happy. Let’s have a party, let’s just make church fun and focus on the Good News and how to be blessed. This appeals to the consumer hearts of people who follow their leaders in shallow commitment.

But what happens to these people who follow God solely for their own benefit? Isaiah says they become easy targets of the enemy and are devoured. God has called all of us to lead and speak out when we see someone stumbling toward destruction. If we listen to God, and take the risk of caring we can see lives redeemed and transformed.

Pray for God to awaken, refresh, and equip His leaders to shepherd their people.