A Gorgeous Steed… A Glorious Sword…

A Gorgeous Steed…

A Glorious Sword…

“My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the LORD of hosts has visited His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them like His majestic horse in battle.”

— Zechariah 10:3

Once, an astronaut became the president of a large airline company. He had a deep desire to transform his company into the best airline service provider possible.

One day, the new president visited a particular department for an inspection. There he saw an employee relaxing with his feet up on the desk. The telephone on the desk had been ringing continuously.

“Why aren’t you answering the phone...?” the president asked, somewhat displeased.

“That’s not my department. I work in the maintenance section,” the employee replied casually, unaware that he was speaking to the new boss.

“Oh, I see! In that case, from now on, you don’t have to work in any section...!”

Some people are like that. They have absolutely no concern for the responsibility entrusted to them. Those who work day and night preparing for the PSC examination often turn day into night by sleeping at their desks once they obtain a government job...!

Zechariah speaks about a similar situation. The shepherds—the kings, rulers, and priests—who were supposed to protect the sheep and lead them in the right way were instead causing them to wander and oppressing them.

If the rulers are the shepherds, then the leaders appointed over the sheep are the rams...

Even though God repeatedly warned the shepherds and rams not to lead His sheep into idolatry and the worship of foreign gods, they ignored His warnings. Therefore, God punishes them by transforming His sheep into beautiful war horses...!

Doesn’t the shepherd have authority over the sheep...?

Can’t the rams oppress only the sheep...?

But what happens when those sheep are transformed into horses prepared for battle?

The shepherd and the ram will certainly be defeated!

In the same way, God transforms His people into a sword in the hand of a warrior (Zechariah 9:13).

Dearly beloved,

God is able to change our circumstances and those who oppress us...

But sometimes, God’s plan is not to change those circumstances or the people who oppose us. Instead, His plan may be to lift us above them...

He may transform us into:

...a beautiful war horse,

a sword in the hand of a mighty warrior,

...an eagle that rises on its wings.

So, instead of praying, “Lord, change my circumstances and the authorities over me,” begin to pray, “Lord, change me...!”

May God richly bless everyone.