For behold, I am raising up in the land a shepherd who does not care for those being destroyed[.] Zechariah 11:16a
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 11:15-17, which the commentary outlines as the fourth of four divisions for the text 10:1-11:17 (10:1-12, 11:1-3, 11:4-14, 11:15-17). The commentary shares how God asked Zechariah to portray a good shepherd in the previous division (see post yesterday), but in this division is asked to portray a "foolish, evil and worthless shepherd." It prophecies how although Jesus arrives and fulfills prophecy as the Promised King, He is not recognized as such by the Jewish elders and leaders. These shepherds (and false teachers) do not save as Jesus does but instead "take advantage of people and harm them mercilessly." The commentary shares how many conservative scholars "say that the ultimate expression of the foolish shepherd is the Antichrist of the end times, who will deceive and abuse not only Israel but the entire world (Revelation 13:7)." Believers must be constantly reminded of how this Antichrist is real and he is on the prowl looking to devour those who are lost - see 1 Peter 5:8. Once again, as the commentary emphasizes yesterday, we are encouraged to follow the only Shepherd that truly leads and saves - Jesus Christ. We must also follow the words of Jude who exhort believers to "have mercy on those who doubt...snatching them out of the fire" (Jude 22-23).
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are the Good Shepherd - as You seek and save the lost, and You care for them. Thank You Jesus for saving me as I was lost - and You care for me and I know I can never be separated from Your love. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of how You save and love. 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.
