The GREAT SACRIFICE of CHRIST, our SHEPHERD-SAVIOR!
October 6
Bible Reading: Zechariah Chapters 13-14
The GREAT SACRIFICE of CHRIST, our SHEPHERD-SAVIOR
"Awake, O sword, against My
Shepherd, against the Man who is My Companion," says the Lord of hosts.
"Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered" (Zech
13:7)
It should be
noted that prophet Zechariah prophesied around 520 B.C. Five centuries later,
Jesus cited this prophecy about the striking of the Shepherd as applying to
Himself (compare v. 7 with Matt. 26:31–35; Mark 14:27–31; Luke 22:31–34). This verse
envisions God’s chosen Shepherd-Savior suffering at the hand of God Himself. Jehovah
God orders His sword to awake against His only begotten Son – our Lord Jesus
Christ. The Good Shepherd was struck at Calvary, and the Jewish sheep have been
scattered ever since.
The sword,
an instrument of death, is likened to a warrior being roused for action, and is
also the symbol of judicial power (Rom. 13:4). Our Lord Jesus Christ took the
full brunt of the punishment that was meant for the sins of the whole world, as
He indeed was the “Lamb of God who took
away the sins of the world” (John 1:29)
The term “My Companion” is used elsewhere of one
who is a near neighbor or close companion (Lev. 6:2; 18:20; 19:15). It suggests
a relationship of equality, as Jesus Christ, God’s Son enjoyed that
relationship from eternal past.
Thus, to
save His flock, the Good Shepherd was smitten through suffering and death (Isa.
53:4, 10). Let’s remember that the next time we are smitten because of our
faith, our Good Shepherd-Savior has silently borne all the sufferings (Matt.
5:38–42; 10:16–26) leaving for us a good example to emulate in our lives!
"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." (2 Cor 1:5-6)
