Zechariah 11: God's Grace?

Zechariah 11: God's Grace?

Verse 4: "This is what the Lord my God says: 'Shepherd the flock marked for slaughter.'"

Verse 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!"

◇ This is a parable about God's wrath and judgment upon shepherds who fail to care for their entrusted flocks with love and devotion.

God laments over the leaders He appointed to govern and guide the people of Israel, who do not cherish those under their care. He compares Israel's leaders to owners who sell their sheep for profit and rejoice in their gain.

Just as owners delight in selling their sheep for personal benefit, God is grieved and angered by Israel's leaders who exploit and oppress the people entrusted to them, accumulating wealth for themselves and rejoicing in it. They even go so far as to praise God, calling their prosperity His grace.

Where have these leaders cast aside God's compassion for the orphan, the widow, and the stranger? Do they truly believe that their growing wealth and rising positions are simply God's grace? Can riches and power gained through dishonest means and deception truly be gifts from God?

Verse 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!"

God judges them. He punishes them. Where there is no justice, mercy, or truth, there is no grace of God.

♧ Good and merciful God, help me to reflect Your character. Grant me a heart of compassion and justice, and empower me to live it out. Holy Spirit, make me strong and bold. Amen.