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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.

(710) 12 December : Proverbs 31v15 / Zechariah 10-11 / Psalm 145v1-7

BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on
The wife of nobel character...Proverbs 31:15

Understanding to grow in
The LORD is the only God. That's the point that begins chapter 10. So prophets speaking for other gods must by lying. Because of this God’s anger burns against their leaders who should be their shepherds. Yet he promises to care for his flock (Judah) himself, making them strong and dignified, and restoring them with Joseph and the Ephraimites (those from the northern kingdom who were exiled), and bringing Egypt and Assyria down. This was partially fulfilled in the following years, but will be fully only in the new creation where in Christ all faithful Israelites will be raised from death and united in these sort of numbers, with their enemies suffering judgement. It is no surprise then, that in what follows the nations (of v10) are called to wail because their famous forests will be destroyed by fire – a metaphor for the destruction of proud rulers or peoples (see Is 2v12-18). And the rulers of these nations are said to wail at the ruin of their land. The point is that it is now given to Israel. The meek will inherit the earth. What follows is intreguining but not wholly clear. Zechariah is to pasture a flock marked for slaughter – which later seems to be a group of God’s people (11v11). Their buyers are probably occupying powers who oppress (slaughter) their captives, yet go unpunished. Their sellers are their own shepherds, Israel’s leaders. Zechariah explains that he pastured the flock, and especially the oppressed, and with staffs called favour and union, reflecting God’s grace and the unity to the nation to that point. It’s not clear who the three shepherds he gets rid of in one month are (11v8). But representing the LORD, Zechariah says how the flock detested him and he hated them, and so God's covenant and favour is revoked. Israel’s leaders or people then pay Zechariah off with the equivalent amount required just for the death of a slave, so that he (representing God) would no longer be their shepherd. Of course, this patterns the priests through Judas getting rid of Jesus, the divine-shepherd (Matt 26v14-16, 27v1-10). In the light of this, Zechariah broke the “union” staff, symbolising division with the nation - as occurred through Christ. He was then told to take up the equipment of a foolish or wicked shepherd to symbolise God raising up such a shepherd (ruler) who would not care for the people, but feed on and hurt them. This could have referred to an individual, or to all evil rulers before and after Christ, providing a warning to the shepherds of God’s church too. A woe is pronounced against this shepherd for deserting the flock. In desiring the destruction of his arm and right eye, it declared he would be unable to protect his sheep (the people) against any enemies (11v7-17). So having rejected the LORD the people would again be subject to oppression. The point throughout is that despite having been restored to the land, the people are no better than their ancestors. They need full forgiveness and renewal. As you read note how rejection of God is displayed.

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.