October 1, 2011 (Zechariah 10-12; Psalm 126; Luke 14)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “So I cared for the flock intended for slaughter – the flock that was oppressed. Then I took two shepherd’s staffs and named one Favor and the other Union.” Zechariah 11:7 NLT
Observation: Zechariah obeyed God by caring for the flock that was oppressed. To show the people what God was doing he took two staff’s and broke them in front of them. The first staff he named Favor. When he broke this staff it was representative of God’s gracious covenant with His people being broken. The second staff was named Union. When he broke it, it was representative of the bond of unity between Judah and Israel being broken.
Application: Even though when things are going good we don’t realize it, we all want and need God’s favor. But God’s favor can only be found when we are in unity with Christ. To simply profess a faith in Christ is not enough, we must put into action the word of God we have learned. When we accept Christ as Savior, we are entering into a covenant with God through Christ. We should consider and count the cost involved with such a commitment before we put our hands to the plow. See Luke 14:28-33 for more on counting the cost.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day that You have made. Praise and honor to Your name! Father I need and desire Your favor and union. Protect and guard my soul from satan’s evil desires of destruction. Help me Lord to hear Your word and understand how to apply it to my life. Create in me a clean heart and a right spirit. Plant a seed of desire for You into my soul that continues to grow and multiply. In Jesus name, Amen!