Woe to the worthless shepherd.

Scripture:
Zechariah 11:17 “Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!”

Observation:
God spoke through the prophet Zechariah to the exiles of Judea about their situation. The LORD reminded the people of the false prophets and teachers, kings and priests that led his people astray in times past. In this passage, the LORD issued a warning, a very stern warning, against those who would lead his people astray. He said that he would tend his flock and care for his people. To those that would abandon their posts as an undershepherd of God assigned to care for his people, woe to them he said.

Application:
This very morning, my pastor taught on the saying of Jesus, “I am the good shepherd. The shepherd gives his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). He spoke to us about how Jesus cared for his people the Jews and later in that passage said that there were sheep not of the fold that had to be brought into the fold. He referred to us Goyim, non-Jews. He loved us enough to die for us and did give his life on the cursed tree that all people who call on the name of the LORD, believe in their hearts he was raised from the dead by God through his Spirit, and confess that Jesus is LORD may have eternal life. Jesus didn’t abandon his post as the Good Shepherd. When he faced the false trial, his accusers, his executioners, his mockers, his people of the first flock, his agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, he didn’t quit. He didn’t run like Peter and the apostles did that night. No, he was led to the slaughter without saying a word. He gave his life for you an me. If you are an undershepherd of the Good Shepherd, don’t abandon your post, don’t tend the flock for money or power or notoriety. Serve them as God served you–Love that costs you something. It cost God everything, his one and only Son, Jesus. Serve your people with love and compassion always. I am learning this lesson as an undershepherd in training. I will not abandon my post and have come upon me what God says about deserters, “”Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!”

Prayer:
Father, you haven’t entrusted me with a flock, but you have assigned me to assist an undershepherd with the flock of his assignment. Help me to be there to assist him in any capacity. Every undershepherd needs sheep dogs to help keep the flock together and from running off into trouble. So long as I am in the sheep dog assignment, help me to become the best future undershepherd I can be to serve the flock and feed the flock when it is my turn to do so. I serve you at your leisure and pleasure. Ready and willing. Aye aye sir, In Jesus’ name, Amen.