Her priests have violated My law and profaned My holy things; they have not distinguished between the holy and unholy, nor have they made known the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them."{Ezekiel 22:26}

Whenever one reads the history of God's people, vividly one can see many things leading them to find themselves at odds with God. Yet, I believe there is one contributing factor which overshadows all the others. What is it? Lack of leadership.

Do you remember God's words unto them? "For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?" {Deuteronomy 4:7} Truly, these people were far blest above all other people on the earth. Who would be a greater leader than Almighty God?

So if the leadership problem was not with God- where was the problem? "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy 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?...So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered" {Ezekiel 34:2,5}

God had given directions to the shepherds to lead and guard His flocks. The priests, leaders God raised up to lead the nation, did just the opposite-leading them into apostasy. What were the results of this action (or lack of it)?

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you rejected knowledge, I also reject you from being priest to me." {Hosea 4:6}

God had blessed them above all other nations, with a good law, good land, and good promises. Yet, they would give it all up in the end. Why? It goes back to weak leadership among God's people.

Although the leaders are roundly rebuked by God-that won't help the followers. Why? Every follower, then and now, must make sure where the leaders are leading them is in accordance to His divine will. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22; 1 John 4:1.

Such is also true today. We should not place our hope and trust on the preacher or the elders-but on God. Wicked leaders are still a danger. Yet, even more dangerous are those who will follow!