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.