Zech. 9-10
In Zechariah 10:3a, God says, “My anger is hot against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders”. The Hebrew word translated as “leader” in this verse is actually “male goats”. Given what I have been reading in the New Testament of late regarding false teachers that slip into the fold like wolves in sheep’s clothing, this got me thinking. A goat isn’t a sheep, so what is it doing in the fold? I picture these dominant male goats ramming around among the sheep, wreaking havoc where there should be peace and driving the sheep in directions they should not be going. I picture the people Jude spoke of from yesterday’s reading, chasing after whatever they desire and causing division. They don’t listen to the Shepherd.
Using the apparently more literal translation of “male goats” rather than simply “leaders” certainly gives more depth of meaning to this verse. I have no idea if that is actually the intention of the statement here, but it does fit the bigger picture. We know that false teachers will always be a danger to Christ’s flock. And the Bible also gives indication that God holds special judgment for those who lead His flock astray. Like horse rustling in the old west, “sheep rustling” is a hanging offense to God!
Rev. 1
“Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.” (Rev 1:17b-18). Just…wow – what a statement! Clearly, this is Jesus Christ. And clearly, there is nothing greater than He. He is the first – nothing came before Him. He is the last – nothing will outlast Him. And he took the worst that could be thrown at Him – He died – and He overcame it. And now He holds those keys, so death can never be thrown at Him again.
Furthermore, because He holds the keys to Death and Hades, it is He who controls them. Forever. Thank God this greater-than-everything Jesus came not to destroy us but to save us! He came so that we could have a choice between life and death. As for me, I want to go with the guy who holds the keys!!!