Observation: The Lord declares that he has lost his patience with the 'shepherds' of the world. Previously in v10:2, he pointed out that those people who pretend to give direction to the people - seers and diviners ... leaders - speak lies, and the sheep therefore have no shepherd. Now he points out even the wickedness of the shepherds. The shepherds raise sheep for their own prophet. Those who buy the sheep kill them for their own sustenance. There is no one who actually raises the sheep out of love, compassion, and support. For this reason, the Lord declares he will care no longer for such people.
Application: Jesus declared himself to be the "good shepherd" and used the metaphor several times. He is the one who will protect and care for sheep, not for prophet, but just by his love. If it is true that Jesus is the shepherd, and earthly shepherds are despised by the Lord due to their motives, then I should actively conclude that I have no desire to be a shepherd on earth.
I sometimes think about what I should do to reassume some kind of leadership position, at work or in the church. I need to set that aside. In fact, I need to reconcile the fact that I shouldn't even want that. I have a leader to follow! To the extent he would use me to help others, that just makes me a well-behaved sheep. Jesus is still the shepherd, at all times, in all situations. And Jesus is the only person I - or anyone else - should truly follow.
Prayer: Lord, please be my shepherd. I ask for your nurturing protection. I will follow you as you lead me, and if others in the flock also walk where I am going, it must only be because they also follow you. Amen.
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