You have not strengthened the weak, healed the sick, bandaged the injured, brought back the strays, or sought the lost. Instead you have ruled them with violence and cruelty. Ezekiel 34:4 HCSB
Just this week I was given the privilege of helping someone who was homeless. He had been sleeping in his car and had been unable to clean up for several days. He had not eaten for two days and was almost out of gas. I was able to give him some food and put some gas in his car. He was planning to go to a place where he could take a shower and clean up. It is a good feeling to help another person in need.
In this one verse we learn that the leaders of Israel had neglected the weak, sick, injured, strays, and the lost. They had ruled with violence and cruelty. The word used for cruelty was the same word used in Exodus 1:13-14 to describe how the Egyptian taskmasters had treated the Israelites during bondage. Christ expects us to help others. He said, “And the King will answer them, I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40).
Challenge: When was the last time you helped someone in need? Pray that God will provide you with an opportunity to help someone this week.