Christ the Shepherd, Our Model

Solus Christus. By Christ, alone.

In Zecheriah 10v.2b, we read this - "...the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd."

In this particular passage, the prophet Zecheriah is talking about false teachers and idols. These teachers and false gods lead people to empty consolation, or, false security.

How many, in this day and age, are puffed up with the hot air of a false security. They believe in their own abilities. They trust in their temporal gods and strongholds. They hope in a future of more of the passing things they devour. And how quickly are all of these things fading! When our faith is found in the temporal, we are the sheep who are afflicted.

But we have such great hope! Christ alone is the Good Shepherd. We, the sheep, are led by such a gracious Savior, overseeing each and every member of the flock. Pulling us out of the briars, prodding us along towards greener pastures (sometimes through dark valleys), and lifting us out of the pitfalls along the way. And how, in our lives and our sanctification as Believers, we are looking more and more like him!

Believers are called to emulate Christ in overseeing those wandering sheep. Sheep who are constantly afflicted... we get to act as shepherds in the lives of many. And it is only through Christ that, when we get to play the role of shepherd in some small way, we magnify what he has already done. To his glory! What a wonderful Savior!