Woe to the worthless shepherd, who leaves the flock! A sword shall be against his arm and against his right eye; his arm shall completely wither, and his right eye shall be totally blinded. Zechariah 11:17
Shepherds are people who raise and take care of sheep. Their focus is always on providing food, shelter and protection for the sheep. In doing so, there may be times in which it is very difficult to do. While most shepherds do not neglect their duty and leave the flock unattended and unprotected, there are some that will do so to the harm of the flock.
Zechariah quotes God calling out woe to the worthless shepherd that leaves the flock. God calls out a sword against the arm and eyes of the shepherd so that the shepherd will be blind and unable to do anything.
The majority of people around the world will never be a shepherd of sheep. Most will never even raise a large amount of any type of animal, though many will raise a pet or two.
Although most will not be shepherds of animals, the majority will be a shepherd of other people in various ways. Any person who leads or cares for another person in any way is a type of shepherd.
Parents are the most common shepherds everywhere. Instead of shepherding their children, many parents have chosen to leave their children. They focus all their time on their work, or physically leave them to the care of others. Children are allowed to be taken over by the world.
Believers are to be leaders in this world. They are to shepherd others in the ways of God and not leave those who are needing help, strength and guidance. It begins with their own children, but also extends to others around them.
At some point in your life, you had others that were shepherds over you. They helped lead, guide and protect you in various ways. Some, however, had left you on your own and caused harm. Do not allow yourself to be one who leaves the sheep God puts in your life.
Take care of those He gives you and lead them in His ways. Using what God has given you, bless others with what they are in need of both physically and spiritually. Be a good shepherd to others in your life just as Jesus is a good shepherd to you.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know how Jesus is a good shepherd to you; that God will lead you to be a good shepherd to others in your life; and that God will not have to judge against you for not leading others correctly.
****My new book, “31 Day For Strength,” is now available on Amazon ****
Photo by Joe Pregadio on Unsplash
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