Church Leaders.

"The shepherds also have no understanding.
they have all turned to their own way,
to their own gain, one and all."  Isaiah 56:11 (NRSV)

We may wonder why those in positions of authority in the Church teach things which seem so contradictory of Jesus and our intuitive understanding of God.

But in ancient Israel the prophets were often critical of the shepherds - i.e. the religious leaders of Israel.

They were called blind and deaf and Jesus called them hypocrites.

So we should not be surprised when the Church appears to be wrong.
It has been wrong before.

So why doesn't God tell them?

The answer is that He does.

He sends prophets and messengers to tell them.

But as Jesus said, "'Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those sent to it!  How often have I desired to gather my children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!'"  Luke 13:34 (NRSV)

This is the meaning of Jesus' saying: "'And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."'"  Luke 13:35 (NRSV) 


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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