READ: Zech. 10:1-12
As a believer, you may expect the good things of the earth from the LORD for your life with Him on this earth. The Lord Jesus taught us to pray: “Our Father… give us today our daily bread.”
Here Zechariah points out the need to ask the LORD for water. Water is essential for growth and life, and therefore also for sustenance (Deut. 11:11-15). This rain represents the LORD’s blessing for His people, who depend on Him for everything.
Yet, the people repeatedly turned to idols instead, resulting in drought as a punishment from the LORD (Deut. 11:1,17). Moreover, idolatry led them away from the true Shepherd.
These words are highly relevant today, as so many forms of idolatry tempt us, including the worship of the beast (Rev. 13). False shepherds in the church promote this, pretending to be shepherds of the LORD. If we follow these false shepherds, we too will wander like sheep without a true Good Shepherd.
The Lord Jesus sees these wandering sheep (Matt. 9:36) and identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd (John 10). Here, the LORD punishes those false shepherds, along with the goats who follow them.
This is a serious warning. At the same time, the LORD delivers those who are willing to listen to Him. He transforms them from defenseless sheep into strong warhorses (v.3). He ensures they are ready for battle and even victorious in His strength. For God will be with them (vv.4-5). It is His work in the believers. Everything is forgiven and forgotten for those who seek refuge in the LORD (v.6).
In addition to equipping His people, the LORD also expands His church. People from all nations will come to Jerusalem. This refers to Jews from different parts of the world, as seen on Pentecost, but also to Gentiles beyond Israel from the time of Pentecost until Christ’s return (vv.8-10).
The church’s path may resemble the journey through the Red Sea, but the LORD grants her strength and will overcome all enemies in the final judgment (vv.11-12).
What is your relationship with the Good Shepherd?
Sing: Ps. 114:3,4