As we began reading in Zechariah we pointed out two themes that emerge as you read this wonderful book? First, Zechariah is filled with references to Christ and Zechariah tells of the second coming of the Messiah. As you read this book you get the sense that there is so much more to be found in this book for those that are willing to do the work. At the same time you find treasure laying on the ground all around as you walk through the landscape of Zechariah.
For example in Zechariah 9:9 we see that our King has come (foretold) and will return! "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. "
Zechariah foretells the coming of Messiah and in Zechariah 10:2 he says, "For the household gods utter nonsense, and the diviners see lies; they tell false dreams and give empty consolation. Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd." Do you remember what Jesus said in Matt and Mark about the crowd?
Mt 9:36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Mk 6:34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
Paul teaches us that Christ [is] in you, the hope of glory Col 1:27, and in Gal 4:19 he points out that much of his ministry is to see Christ become incarnate in the followers of Christ..."My children, with whom I am again in labor until Christ is formed in you." I point this out to say that IF you are a follower of Christ, IF Christ is in you, IF HE is being formed in you...you will have a shepherds heart. IF Christ is incarnate in you there will be a desire to shepherd the sheep, to shepherd those that God has given you influence over. This might be your family, it is your family...your class, small group, people at work...it is where the Lord has placed you.
I was struck with the rebuke of the worthless shepherds! I do not want to stand at the judgement seat of Christ and be rebuked for how I failed as a shepherd. The wonderful thing is my job is to surrender to the good shepherd, to be filled with the Holy Spirit and as Christ is formed in me, my hope of glory HE gives me HIS heart for the sheep and HIS heart to shepherd.
My love will not help anyone, but as God breaks my hard heart HE is able to pour HIS love and life giving grace through me and shepherd others through my yielded life!
Zech 10:2 They are afflicted, because there is no shepherd.
Zech 10:3 My anger is kindled against the shepherds, And I
Zech 11:3 There is a sound of the shepherds’ wail, For their
Zech 11:5 And their own shepherds have no pity on them.
Zech 11:8 shepherds in one month, for my soul was impatient
Zech 11:15 for yourself the equipment of a foolish shepherd.
Zech 11:16 For behold, I am going to raise up a shepherd
Zech 11:17 Woe to the worthless shepherd Who leaves the flock!
Father in heaven...fill me with YOUR Holy Spirit, enable me to yield, surrender...every part of my heart, mind and soul continually that YOU might be fully formed in me for YOUR glory and my joy in YOU!
love,
m