Zechariah 11:7-14 - Homilies By W. Forsyth

The true Shepherd.

I. GOD 'S IDEA OF THE TRUE SHEPHERD . His character and service. Faithful and disinterested. Not a hireling. He is for the sheep, not the sheep for him. If his recompense left to the free will of the people, should be adequate and fair. "The workman is worthy of his hire." But the wage should be given in more than material form. " Themselves. " Their trust, sympathy, prayers, and hearty cooperation in all good. "I seek not yours, but you," said Paul.

II. MAN 'S TREATMENT OF THE TRUE SHEPHERD .

1 . Grossly unjust. Remuneration mean and paltry. Not measured by the work done, but doled out by selfish and stupid hands.

2 . Basely insulting. Instead of just appreciation, mockery. Put on the level of a slave. Such remuneration worthy of scorn. Away with it .

3 . Darkly menacing. Take it or leave it. Nothing to us. Starve if you will. Murder is in their hearts.

4 . Reveals the baseness of the heart. Indicates great social degeneracy. Foreshadows the rejection of the Saviour ( Matthew 27:9 , Matthew 27:10 ). Let us endeavour to be true to God's idea.

"The Christian pastor, bow'd to earth

With thankless toil, and vile esteem'd,

Still travailing in second birth

Of souls that will not be redeem'd'

Yet steadfast set to do his part,

And fearing most his own vain heart."

(Kebla)

F.