How can we ensure we are not like the "shepherds" in Zechariah 11:5? The problem in Zechariah 11:5 “Those who buy them slaughter them and go unpunished; those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the LORD, for I am rich!’ Even their own shepherds have no compassion on them.” What marked these false shepherds? • Exploitation: They saw the flock as merchandise to enrich themselves. • Indifference: “No compassion” shows a cold heart toward suffering. • Religious veneer: They invoked the LORD’s name to justify greed. • Absence of accountability: They believed judgment would never reach them. Why this matters today Every believer influences someone—family, friends, coworkers, a church class. The warning is for anyone entrusted with others, not only vocational leaders. Guardrails that keep us from becoming like them 1. Cultivate Christ-like compassion • Matthew 9:36—Jesus “was moved with compassion for them” • Ask God daily for eyes that see people, not projects or profit. 2. Embrace servant leadership • 1 Peter 5:2-3—“Shepherd the flock of God…not out of compulsion…not lording it over those entrusted to you.” • Leadership is stewardship, not ownership. 3. Pursue integrity with resources • Proverbs 11:1—“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD.” • Handle money openly; keep personal gain separate from ministry funds; welcome audits and accountability. 4. Speak truth without using God’s name to mask sin • Exodus 20:7—Taking His name in vain includes using it to bless selfish actions. • Before saying “God led me,” examine motives under Scripture. 5. Remember divine accountability • Hebrews 13:17—leaders “will give an account.” • Regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5) keeps hearts soft. Practical habits to build • Daily Scripture intake, especially passages on shepherding (Ezekiel 34; John 10). • Consistent prayer for the people you influence—names, needs, struggles. • Transparent relationships with peers who ask hard questions. • Joyful generosity—plan ways to give instead of gain (Acts 20:35). • Immediate repentance when conviction comes; keep no hidden sins. Encouragement from the Good Shepherd John 10:11—“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” Following Him means treating His flock as He does—protecting, feeding, guiding, and, if necessary, bleeding for their good. By aligning our hearts with His, we ensure we will never resemble the heartless shepherds of Zechariah 11:5. |
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