The Foolish Shepherd - Zechariah

[@zibonenigodongwana4463]

Thanks Pastor David Guzic for sharing these teachings. I'm learning a lot from your teachings. Keep up the good work.

[@servingjesussinnersavedbyg8456]

This is a thought-provoking passage indeed, but we would expect no less from Pastor David, who brings us keen insights and experiences of others to reflect on for ourselves. God wrote these things for our example that we might learn.

[@amandarzarate]

Great message, Amen!

[@servingjesussinnersavedbyg8456]

The foolish shepherd lacks discipline, plans poorly, and seeks to cut corners, get by doing the minimal. While God expects more, do we actually desire and seek to give more? Some feel put out just to show up for the hour or so a week ... if that is your church, it isn't like the 2nd chapter of Acts church, that had something going on throughout the day, every day. They were an exciting and vibrant church. The church that locks it doors Monday to Saturday pretty much and pays a pittance penance on weekends well is not doing a whole lot to reach its own, or anyone else for that matter beyond its doors. The mission field begins after the service, we begin serving those who are lost, and in dire need of hope, a gospel of good news, Jesus Christ to be introduced to and into their lives.

[@servingjesussinnersavedbyg8456]

When you hear how the foolish shepherd is, the thought that comes to mind is, that he is not really a shepherd at all. Lucky to hold title and office if that. Now if we think about what Israel means (strive, haggle, struggle w God - remember Jacob wrestling all night at the ladder w the angel?) ... how much more then are we? We might distance ourselves to even say coarsely stubborn Jews but if we look within ourselves we too struggle, wrestle and haggle w God when we do our own thing, go our own way, rebel, and frustrate His plans for our lives. This shepherd seems to be out for your soul, out for your destruction, a hireling, paid to do a job. There are many a pastor out there I would venture to say, no pay, no play. So God made Zechariah play act what this would look like. If only we would like at the end of Ezra confess our messed up mixing of allowed sin, sincerely and solemnly repent, then our ears, our hearts, and our minds, would be ready to hear and receive the Good Shepherd (see Psalm 23).