In the book of Zechariah, Zechariah wrote, “and the LORD said unto me, Take unto you yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd”, and in chapter eleven and verse sixteen of Zechariah, Zechariah shared how Jehovah God said to him, “I will raise up a shepherd in the land” where we read,
For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that stands still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.
The verse reads, “For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not visit those that be cut off, ...” Zechariahbegan with the words, “for,lo, I will raise up a shepherd” or “because, since and on account that, look, behold and consider, I, Jehovah God, shall cause to rise, confirm, fix and establish one who pastures, teaches, grazes, feeds and tends to people as a flock” “in the land” which means “within the country, region, territory and district”, “which shall not visit”or “that will in no way or manner pay attention, look after or care for” “those that be cut off” which means “the people of Israel who are hidden, concealed, desolate and effaced”. Zechariah shared how Jehovah God said He would cause a leader or ruler to arise who does not look after or care for the people of Israel who have been made desolate.
The verse goes on to say, “... neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that stands still:”Zechariah continued with the words, “neither shall seek the young one” or “no and not in any way will this leader make inquiry, strive for or procure the youthful people”, “nor heal that that is broken” which means “no and not in any way the person who is injured, maimed, crippled or hurt”, “nor feed that that stands still” or “no and not in any way sustain, supply our nourish the person who is healthy and upright”. Zechariah shared how the “shepherd” established by Jehovah God will in no way look after young people nor people who are wounded and hurt and will not attend to people who are healthy and upright.
Finally the verse says, “but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.” Zechariah concluded this verse with the words, “but he shall eat the flesh” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover he, the shepherd established by Jehovah God, will consume and devour the physical bodies” “of the fat” which means “pertaining to the plump, plenteous and rank”, “and tear their claws in pieces” or “and snatch, rescue and break off their, the choice sheep's, hoofs into bits and parts”. Zechariah ended this verse by saying the “shepherd” sent by Jehovah God to the people of Israel would devour them and rip them into parts and bits.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Zechariah about this horrific “shepherd” that is allowed to come on the scene with the people of Israel because they have rejected Jehovah God's Son and Savior Jesus Christ. This person and the leaders who are like him do not search for the missing, care for children, tend to the torn and bruised nor take care of people who are faint or healthy. Rather than tend to the people, they take advantage of them and devour them whenever they find opportunity. This is not the way God wants it to be. He gave His Only Begotten Son Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and He will be the “Savior and Lord” to anyone who yields their life to Him. Those who submit will receive His forgiveness and eternal life, and those who are wise will read these words surrender to the “True Shepherd” and never settle for a substitute. (See John 10:11-16)
Next time Zechariah shares how Jehovah God says, “woe to the idol shepherd that leaves the flock”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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