But I became impatient with them, and they also detested me. Zechariah 11:8b
I continue my study of the last four books of the OT (complete: Zephaniah, Haggai; to complete: Zechariah, Malachi) - using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book. For today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Zechariah 11:4-14, which the commentary outlines as the third of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17). While believers should always look at scripture and see how it points to Jesus, I struggled with the text today and leaned into the commentary, which shares how "[i]n essence, God is commanding Zechariah to become a living picture of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. Apart from the life of the Lord Jesus, it is nearly impossible to interpret Zechariah 11:4-14." The commentary describes how God led His people by "three shepherds (v8) and how these three shepherds represent the three types of leaders God gave His people - kings, priests, and prophets. In one way or another all of these leaders let God down and failed His people - earthly leaders who are broken and sinful who then lead the people astray (see post yesterday). V8b points to how even though Jesus came and fulfilled prophecy as the promised Messiah, He was rejected by his own people. The commentary also describes another aspect of the messianic prophecy in this text (vv12-13) and how the text here parallels how Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus for the same amount of money - thirty pieces of silver (see also Matthew 26:15). Building on yesterday's post the commentary concludes with this warning: "[w]e must not reject Jesus, because He’s the Shepherd we need the most. If we reject Jesus, He will ultimately reject us (Matthew 23:37-38). Rejecting Jesus leaves us with the only alternative: following shepherds who will hurt us. When we refuse to follow the Lord as our Shepherd, we will inevitably follow someone or something that will lead us to destruction."
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are my Shepherd and and You saved me, lead me into green pastures, care for me, protect me, and provide for all of my needs. Thank You Jesus! I am no deserving of how You bless me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
