Worthless Shepherd By Pastor Gbenga Aluko

                          

Text: Zech.11:15-17

Topic: Worthless Shepherd

By

Pastor Gbenga Aluko

The study will be done with the following sub-heading:

Background

Exhibitions of worthless shepherds

The rewards awaiting Worthless shepherds

Fault with Levitical priesthood extract from pathway to leadership by Gbile Akanni

Features of worthwhile shepherds

Conclusion

Background 

The book of Zechariah was written by Zechariah son of Berekiah who was both a priest and a prophet, among the biblical Prophets he prepared the Jews for the coming of Jesus in a unique and powerful way.

The referenced passage reveals God’s interaction/instruction to Prophet Zechariah and clearly shows God’s dealing/punitive exercise to the children of Israel for not living up to the expectation of their Saviour and great shepherd who was/is poised to change their story from flock intended for slaughter, what is our action/reaction towards our great shepherd Jesus Christ and His incomparable gifts? 

Exhibitions of worthless shepherds 

1.      Abandoning the dying 11:16, Prov. 24:11-12

2.      Nonchalant to the young 11:16

3.      No balm/prayers/show of concern or care for the injured

4.      No care for the healthy 11:16

5.      They eat and focus on the best only 11:16

 

The rewards awaiting Worthless shepherds 

His arms become useless and right eyes goes completely blind which by the old covenant enough reason to end a shepherding career/ministry. God (using the sword) is judging them for their irresponsibility, incorrigible, selfishness and non-loyalty to Him and the flock he has put in their care.Zech.11:17.

Fault with Levitical priesthood extract from pathway to leadership by Gbile Akanni

1.Weirding only physical authority for a Spiritual Ministry Heb. 7:16

2.Weak and unprofitable servant Heb.7:18-19

Features of worthwhile shepherds Jer.3:15, Acts 20:28, John 10:11-18 

1.They are Shepherd after the heart of God Jer.3:15a, God also refers to David as a man after God’s heart 1 Sam.13:14

2.They Guide with knowledge and understanding Jer. 3:15b

3.They are men who guard themselves first and then the sheep afterwards Acts 20:28

4.They are aware and relate with the sheep as God’s flocks and they are only privileged to be appointed/become a chief servant by Grace Acts 20:28

5.They follow the architype of Jesus the good Shepherd further by:

a. living a life of sacrifice (resources and even if necessitated life) John 10:11

b. they really know their sheep John 10:14

c. genuine care for those inside and concern that will make them to reach out to those outside the fold. John 10:16, Mark 2:17.

Conclusion

Any shepherd. Shepherding that doesn’t follow the purpose, passion, power, principle and sacrificial nature of our great shepherd (Jesus Christ) is worthless. Heb. 12:2, Phil 2:5ff

 

Shalom.

 

 

Virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah By Pastor Gbenga Aluko

 

Text: Gen.19:1-8

Topic: Virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

By

Pastor Gbenga Aluko.

This topic will be considered with the following sub-headings:

Background to the study

Peculiarities of Sodom and Gomorrah

The virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

Factors that contributed to the reality of Virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

Conclusion

 

Background

Gen 18:2ff the bible clearly points out the fact that Abraham had three divine visitors, may our lives, education, business, finance, career and ministry not lack divine visitors in Jesus mighty name amen. Abraham was hospitable not because he wanted to “use” them carry out any operation/agenda (like most of us do today) but as doing the right thing unto the Lord. These men for reasons best known to God unveiled an idea of destruction and Abraham swung to intercession, doing this in various categories for :50,45,40,30,20,10 a great and sincerely man he was a case against the Jonah-like people (wanting everyone to face Gods and our judgement without any chance of repentance), may God make us people after His heart in Jesus mighty name. Amen.

 

Gen 19:1ff clearly depicts how the angels of destruction visited the city of Sodom and Gomorrah and consequently how the wicked/satanic agents in human skin wanted to do immorality even with angels (strictness and sinfulness/being possessed really has no limit). Hence the mentioning of virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah as stated in verse 8.may God save us from beastly and wicked people in Jesus mighty name.

 

Peculiarities of Sodom and Gomorrah

 

1.Flagrant sin/sinning attitude Gen. 18:20

2.Sin that firstly attracted fire burning with Sulphur from heaven by bible record Gen.19:4

3.The city didn’t have 10 righteous people Gen 18:32, Gen 19:1 a wakeup call for us and our cities today.

4.A city made up of Homosexuals Gen 19:5ff

 

The virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

They are only referred to as Lots daughters both before the fire and after it, even after they raped their father, although it was the father’s choice to get drunk but the daughters violated their father and thereby raised one of the greatest enemy (Moabites and Ammonites) of Gods people the Israelites even though they saw and were rescued by angels. Men of God be careful and calm with every God’s grace on you/to you, no one is a successful minister yet till the sword is dropped without stain and heaven is reached as the reward.

 

Factors that contributed to the reality of Virgins in Sodom and Gomorrah

 

1.Godly training Gen 19:8 … I have two virgins even in Sodom and Gomorrah wasn’t premeditated and is heavy with meanings.

2.Godly models in their father Lot and mother and by extension their Uncle and maybe wife, they just parted ways. Gen 13,18:9

3.They are disciplined themselves. Matt 7:6

4.God’s grace.

 

Conclusion

God has planted you and I in different places, if where you are is made up of heaven bound people please celebrate this rare privilege and continue to work & walk in His path/step and if otherwise God expects us to stand different as His representatives in Sports, politics, education, entertainment, oil and Gas, Banking and finance and even Ministry. Be the difference you want to see, be a virgin in Sodom Gomorrah. God bless you.