Read Zechariah 11:4-17
Another shift just happened. The voice and writing style here don’t seem to be the same as Zechariah in the first portion of the book. But this passage has been inspirationally placed exactly where it is. We can trust God for that.
That’s one of those Bible secrets people often never experience. As it says in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” The secret is, all Scripture, the whole Bible, is true because it’s inspired by God.
I love this verse from 2 Timothy. It’s a lot of why I write and feel led to do so regularly. My mission is to get the Word of God back into people’s hands and hearts. Yesterday, the girls I work with at the girls’ home used this very verse to learn about and explore their Bibles a little. For the wee ones who don’t read yet, they got to look on and see the excitement in the older girls. It was precious.
Now Zechariah is giving us a “blow by blow” description of a particular moment in time in his life. He writes and identifies himself as “I.” I’d have to say his description is highly representative of what it’s like to be a prophet or good shepherd. You need always be on your toes with your listening ears open.
Yet we see failure in this example of the “good” shepherd caring for the lost souls. That weakness is impatience. It can be difficult to stay positive when we are surrounded by negativity. We need to take care not to fall into those traps.
We are also introduced to the makings of what a worthless shepherd does. What a contrast, a direct opposite to the good shepherd! They persistently push boundaries and are self-absorbed. We all know people like this. Do they have that attitude when they’re serving the Lord? That is, if they even serve the Lord!
Overall, this is an oracle of judgment. Symbolic references are used as well, including the thirty pieces of silver used as a payout. You’ll recall another time when such amount was paid to Judas to betray Jesus to the officials. In the end, Judas rejected the payment before ending his own life out of grief and regret for what he had done. The reference to a potter here is also mirrored in the story of Judas’ rejected payment.
I think it does us good to take inventory of our own faith journey every once in a while. As the hands and feet of Jesus, we’re handed the torch to act in ways consistent with the good shepherd role that Zechariah was demonstrating. How would you rate your behavior lately? Where are the areas you’d like to start upgrading?
Let’s pray. Lord, there are so many areas of my life that I want to upgrade. Where do I begin? Show me, please. I thank you for how I can see you moving all around me. Help me to be more sensitive to the people around me. Continue to use me in mighty ways to reveal your power working through me. Rebuild my strength and stamina to face each new day. I want to reflect you well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
