All right. So, for our lesson this morning, we're not talking about mothers. We're going to keep it to the Bible.

We're going to be reading from the Old Testament, the book of Ezekiel, chapter 34, verses 1 through 11.

And if you're able, I would ask that you would stand for the reading of the Holy Scriptures this morning.

The book of Ezekiel, chapter 34, excuse me.

Zechio chapter 34 will begin in verse one.

As the word of God reads,

And the word of the Lord came to me saying,

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel.

Prophecy and say to them,

Thus says the Lord God to the shepherds.

Woe to the shepherds of Israel,

who feed themselves. Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?

You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool. You slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock.

The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost. But with force and cruelty, you have ruled them. So, in verse five, they were scattered because there was no shepherd.

And they became food for all the beast of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wondered through all the mountains and on every

high hill. Yes, my flock was scattered over the whole face of the earth and no one was seeking or

searching for them. Therefore, in verse seven, you shepherds, hear the

word of the Lord. As I live, says the Lord God, surely because my flock became a prey. And my flock

became food for every beast of the field, because there was no shepherd, nor did my shepherds search for my

flock, but the shepherds fed

themselves and did not feed my flock. Therefore, in verse nine, O shepherds, hear the word of the Lord.

Thus says the Lord God, behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my flock at their hand.

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