Today's Verse: Zechariah 11:17

Sunday, November 17, 2024

[The Lord said] "Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!"
— Zechariah 11:17
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

While we do not like to hear bad news and may not appreciate the pronouncement of judgment on others, there is a time when it is appropriate. Jesus was not only our sacrificial lamb, but he is also our Chief Shepherd serving on earth as God with us (Matthew 1:23) as the Shepherd David wrote about in Psalm 23:1-6. When the earthly shepherds of the Lord's sheep do not lead lovingly and faithfully, the Lord will demand harsh justice. Zechariah's message is a strong reminder to all who lead that they must do so righteously and tenderly. God wants those whom ungodly leaders have abused to know that their Father in heaven will punish those ungodly leaders appropriately. God will bring righteous justice upon those who have abused their stewardship of God's sheep and dishonored their pastoral calling. We can rest assured that our Shepherd will wipe away our tears even if our earthly shepherds do not (Revelation 7:15).

My Prayer...

For the Lord, is...

...my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely, goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 123:1-6 ESV).
In Jesus' name, we thank and praise you. Amen.

Comments

Archived Facebook Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, November 17, 2024

Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Galatians 6:2
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Power on the Inside!' (Ep. 3:16)
"I pray that out of [the Father's] glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'To Pergamum: Don't Compromise with the World'
"Dear Servant of God, Tolerance and compromise can be a way to prevent conflict. Tolerance and compromise can be a politician's tool to bridge..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by C. S. Lewis:
"I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves."

Illustration

Illustration of Zechariah 11:17 — [The Lord said] "Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!"

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse