Jesus Our Shepherd

We may have further history in Zechariah 10:1-12 as some say it is a reference to the successful stand made by Judas Maccabeus and his brothers against Antiochus around 165 BC. 

Israel had no irrigation system, and relied on rain to water their crops. In a time of drought, nothing grew - so Israel relied on both the former rain (falling in autumn) and the latter rain (falling in spring).

So when God says that He will give them showers of rain: The Lord is challenging His people saying, “Be bold enough to ask Me, and I will answer your prayer. I will provide what only I can provide.”

In man’s ideas of equality, often everyone ends up equally poor. But with God, His idea of equality means abundance for everyone. (10:1)

The people have listened to false and deceptive leaders, and part of the reason is because there is a lack of godly leadership. But God will make His people as royal horses in the battle. In mercy God will take His people and transform them from a flock of sheep to a herd of powerful horses, ready for service.

Though God is displeased with Israel’s shepherds, He will raise up the perfect Shepherd from and for Judah.

• Jesus is the cornerstone: the foundation, measure, and standard 
  (Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22-23, Matthew 21:42, Acts 4:11, 1 Peter 2:4-5).
• Jesus is the tent peg: holding all things securely 
  (Isaiah 22:23-24).
• Jesus is the battle bow: a strong fighter for good 
  (Isaiah 63:1-4, Revelation 19:11-16).
• Jesus is the leader over every ruler of His people
  (Revelation 19:16).
  

God has strengthened us, and will strengthen us. Ephesians 6:10 says that we can draw on His resources for strength: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

The availability of God’s strength means there will be opportunities for us to use it. “The Lord does not say, ‘I will take you away from your labors,’ but ‘I will strengthen you, so that you will be able to perform, them.’ ” (Spurgeon)

Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen St. Philip's as the partner with Frisco ISD to reach out to the Bright Zone, everyone who lives, works and worships in the Ida Bright Elementary School attendance area. I pray our focus in this area of Frisco will have a ripple effect for all Frisco, Collin County, Metroplex, Texas, USA, World. We want to dare to dream big, for without vision the people perish!

I especially for the Goforths, Harringtons, Harrisons, Lunde, Babbili, Wintons, Brinkman and Mazrie-Goltehebrah. May these difficult economic times drive them not to a bigger government (be that as it may) but rather to You Lord Jesus. May they know You as Jehovah-Jireh, The Lord Provider!

Thank You for family, friends, and all the people you have put in my life. You sure so spoil me. Amen!