By Jeremy Writebol
Somewhere along the line, this statement was made: “People always elect the government they deserve.” It certainly rings a bell of truth. If left to ourselves, we will always put leaders in place who match and affirm our own values. Even under the authority of God, there comes a point where He turns people over to their own desires and allows them their destructive autonomy.
The shepherds of Israel, her leaders, were taking advantage of the people for their own power and profit (Zechariah 11:5). Instead of leading the people to God, they exploited them to achieve their own wicked ends. So God invokes Zechariah to act the part of their shepherd with two staffs in hand—one to represent the covenant, and the other, the union between Judah and Israel (v.7).
In a display of stubbornness, the flock reveals that the problem wasn’t simply with their leadership. The people refused to be led by anyone or anything but their own wickedness. Bad shepherds were removed, and faithful shepherds labored, but the people wouldn’t have it. They wouldn’t have the Lord lead them. Zechariah shows God’s own frustration by breaking the staffs representing God’s favor and their unity as a people (vv.10,14). Even the wages that were given to Zechariah for pastoring the people were an insult; they paid him what they would have paid a slave. The leadership of God was cheap to His people. The result was clear: God would give Israel over to “a foolish shepherd… who will not care for those who are perishing, and he will not seek the lost or heal the broken. He will not sustain the healthy, but he will devour the flesh of the fat sheep and tear off their hooves” (vv.15–16).
This message should awaken us today; either we will humble ourselves to the voice of Jesus, the “Good Shepherd,” and follow Him, or we will refuse God’s mercy toward us and choose to follow whatever leader we want—one that will affirm and compound our waywardness. Make no mistake, there is no third way. It’s either embracing God’s grace for us in Christ and following Jesus, or rejecting God’s provision and facing the reality of being handed over to our destructive desires.
While it may ring true that people always elect the government they deserve, it is the sheer grace and mercy of God that He provides a better “government” for us in Christ. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, grants eternal life to all those who humble themselves and place their trust in Him. He gives the deepest security to those who rest in His hand (John 10:28). We certainly do not deserve the gracious leadership and care of Jesus, but by God’s mercy, we don’t have to experience the curse of abusive shepherds. We are free to enjoy the delightful leadership of the only Shepherd who will lead us to green pastures of eternal life.
Written by Jeremy Writebol
616 thoughts on "Israel’s Shepherds"
-
Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more
than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all.
But just imagine if you added some great photos or videos to give your posts more, “pop”!
Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this blog could definitely be one of the best in its niche.Excellent blog!
-
Its not my first time to go to see this website, i am browsing this site dailly and get good facts from here daily.
-
What’s up, every time i used to check weblog posts here in the early hours in the dawn, since i love to find out more and more.
-
With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My blog has a lot of unique
content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my permission. Do you know any ways to help
protect against content from being ripped off? I’d really appreciate it. -
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to “return the favor”.I’m attempting to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
-
Awesome article.
-
Hmm it looks like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any points for first-time blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.
-
What’s up, yup this article is in fact nice and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of blogging.
thanks. -
If some one wants expert view on the topic of blogging and site-building afterward i recommend him/her to pay a visit this blog, Keep up the fastidious work.
-
Miles de Películas y series Online en calidad HD, Castellano y Subtitulado sin cortes. Pelisplus.
-
I like it when individuals get together and share opinions.
Great site, keep it up! -
Hi, just wanted to mention, I liked this blog post. It was inspiring. Keep on posting!
-
I am sure this article has touched all the internet visitors, its really really nice post on building up new weblog.
-
Hi there to all, the contents existing at this web site are truly remarkable for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
-
Why people still make use of to read news papers when in this technological globe all is existing on web?
-
I have fun with, lead to I discovered just what I was taking a look for. You have ended my four day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
-
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four emails with the
same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?
Bless you! -
Thanks for every other informative web site. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such an ideal manner? I’ve a challenge that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such information.
-
As the admin of this site is working, no hesitation very soon it will be famous, due to its feature contents.
-
Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.
Comments are closed.
Post Comments (616)