[[-SOAP HUB]] [[-Zechariah Overview]] ## Title: The Good Shepherd ## Scripture: (Zechariah 11:4) The Lord my God says this: “Shepherd the flock set aside for slaughter. (NET) ## Observation: In this passage, the Lord instructs Zechariah to live out an illustration as an example to Israel. In one season, he is to be a good shepherd over bad sheep. In another season, be a bad shepherd. The illustration was to represent how God had been gracious to sheep even if they did not deserve it. However, if they did not accept His rule, God would give them shepherds that did not care for them. One of the key differences between this illustration and reality is that God never gives up on us. However, if we refuse His rule, He will let us be led by those who do not always care for us in the best way. It’s almost like a child asking over and over to touch a hot stove. The parent will say not to, even if the child persists. But, if the child persists over time, the parent may eventually stop standing in the way. Some lessons are only learned the hard way. We should never let this be us. Instead, we should trust the Lord and let that be enough. ## Application: Where do you need to trust the Lord today? ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being our Good Shepherd.