Scripture:
“Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy and say to them, even to the [spiritual] shepherds, thus says the Lord God: Woe to the [spiritual] shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shouldn’t the shepherds feed the sheep?” Ezekiel 34:2
Devotion:
I’ve experienced it firsthand; being under leadership that knew how to preach but didn’t know how to tell the truth. Watching people lie, cover it up, and then expect you to sit there, clap, and say “amen.” And the worst part? They did it in Jesus’ name.
At first, I thought I was the problem. But I wasn’t. I was just seeing clearly.
God showed me: you’re not rebellious for recognizing wrong. You’re not disloyal for saying, “This isn’t right.” He doesn’t bless lies, even if they come from someone with a title or microphone.
Jesus called out that kind of leadership. He said they were like whitewashed tombs, good on the outside, dead on the inside.
When leaders lie:
• It confuses people and damages trust in God.
• Truth becomes uncomfortable.
• Reputation matters more than repentance.
What helped me?
• I stayed in the Word and let God clear my head.
• I stopped defending what I knew was wrong.
• I spoke up: but with love, not revenge.
• And I prayed: for healing, for truth to come out, and for God to raise up better.
Prayer:
God, I’ve seen too much done in Your name that didn’t look like You. Heal my heart. Help me walk in truth, even when it’s hard. And give me peace knowing You’re still the Good Shepherd, even when others fail. In Jesus’ name, amen.
One last thing:
If the leaders are lying, Jesus is still leading.
Follow Him. His presence isn’t tied to a pulpit.
Story Time:
The Day I Stopped Clapping
I remember Sunday like it was yesterday. The sanctuary was full, the choir was loud, and the pastor was preaching what sounded like truth—but my spirit wouldn’t stop squirming.
That morning, I’d walked in with a heaviness I couldn’t shake. Not because I was in sin, because I was drowning in silence. I knew something wasn’t right. I’d seen things and heard things; they didn’t line up with the Jesus I read about. There were whispers in the halls, broken people being pushed aside, and lies that were dressed up as “leadership decisions.”
No one said a word. So, neither did I.
Until that day.
The pastor got up and started preaching on integrity. I wanted to believe it. I needed to believe it. But I couldn’t ignore what I knew: the same man preaching had just lied to protect another leader, again. I’d watched someone get ashamed for asking questions, while the real mess was swept under the rug.
And yet, there he was, preaching with passion, shouting for “unity,” warning us not to gossip.
The church clapped.
I didn’t.
For the first time, I sat still. No “amen.” No nodding along. Just silence. And at that moment, I felt something shift. Not in anger, only in clarity.
God wasn’t asking me to go along with it. He was asking me to see it. To stop calling wrong “right” just because it wore a suit and stood behind a pulpit.
“Woe to the shepherds who only take care of themselves.” (Ezekiel 34:2)
I wasn’t the rebellious one. I wasn’t bitter. I was no longer blind.
From that day on, I stopped defending what I knew was wrong. I stayed in my Bible more than ever, and I asked God to heal my heart without hardening it. I didn’t explode. I didn’t drag names. I just refused to pretend anymore.
And the freedom? It came slowly, and it came on time.
God reminded me that Jesus is still the Good Shepherd, even when earthly ones fail.
So, if you’ve been there, I get it.
If you’re still there, holding your breath in a place that silences truth, know this:
You’re not crazy. You’re not disloyal.
You’re waking up.
And when leaders lie, Jesus still leads.
Keep following Him.
His presence isn’t tied to a platform; it’s tied to truth.