How should believers respond to leadership that reflects Zechariah 11:15's "foolish shepherd"? The Verse in Focus “Then the LORD said to me: ‘Take up once more the equipment of a foolish shepherd.’” (Zechariah 11:15) Profile of the Foolish Shepherd (Zechariah 11:16–17) Scripture immediately defines what a foolish shepherd does: - “does not care for the perishing” - “does not seek the scattered” - “does not heal the broken” - “does not sustain the healthy” - “but devours the flesh of the fat sheep and tears off their hooves” Such leadership is negligent, self-seeking, and abusive. Modern Signs of Foolish Leadership - Neglect of biblical teaching in favor of personal opinion or popularity - Exploiting the flock for money, power, or recognition - Ignoring or silencing the weak, wounded, or questioning - Promoting division while refusing accountability - Treating ministry as a platform rather than a stewardship (cf. 1 Peter 5:2–3) Scriptural Call to Discernment - “Beware of false prophets…” (Matthew 7:15) - “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” (1 John 4:1) - “Now the Bereans were more noble… examining the Scriptures daily…” (Acts 17:11) Right Responses to Foolish Leadership • Recognize and Test – “But examine everything; hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) • Refuse Participation in Darkness – “Do not be bound together with unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14) – “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11) • Uphold Sound Doctrine – “Preach the word… For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2–3) – “An overseer must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught.” (Titus 1:9) • Pursue Biblical Appeal and Correction – “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately.” (Matthew 18:15) – “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” (Galatians 6:1) • Seek Godly Fellowship – “And let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together…” (Hebrews 10:24–25) – “Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you.” (Hebrews 13:7) • Pray for All Leaders – “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered… for kings and all those in authority.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2) • Submit Ultimately to Christ – “He is the head of the body, the church.” (Colossians 1:18) • Separate When Necessary – “Watch out for those who cause divisions… keep away from them.” (Romans 16:17) – “Come out of her, My people.” (Revelation 18:4) The Contrast: The True Shepherd - “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) - “I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.” (Ezekiel 34:11) Living in Hope Even when confronted with foolish shepherds, believers rest in the certainty that the Chief Shepherd “will appear” and “you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” (1 Peter 5:4) Until then, stand firm, stay discerning, and keep your eyes on the One who never fails His flock. |
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