Rejection and Submission
The final chapters of the prophecy of Zechariah share the sad truth of the rejection of the Messiah. Zechariah serves as an image of the Good Shepherd whom the people refused to follow in contrast to the evil shepherds that the sheep allowed to feed them. The staves of the Good Shepherd, Beauty and Bands, were broken.
Rejection of the world, is submission to Christ.
For many the same situation exists today but they are blind to its reality. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 55:1–2) and when we allow ourselves to be fed by evil, covetous, and worldly desires we turn away from the grace and unity that secure us. This is true individually of all men, but it is also true of many congregations. The grace and unity that binds us together with God as His children, as part of His family is broken when we follow false teachings and practices and not His divine word which He has sent to Guide us.
The decision is simple: The sinner must submit to the Good Shepherd in repentance (Acts 17:30), confession (Matthew 10:32–33), and baptism for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38). The child of God must then faithfully follow the Good Shepherd who loved us and gave His life for us! The church that has fallen away must repent (Revelation 2–3). Where do we stand today? Be faithful and united!