Zechariah criticized Israel's worthless shepherds in his prophecy. Paul warned church shepherds that Church leadership is an extraordinary and sobering responsibility and should be conducted with reverential humility (Acts 20:17-38). Those seeking status or privilege by becoming church leaders must know that the good Shepherd, Jesus (John 10:10-18), will deal with them harshly when he comes in his glory. Anyone who has abused God's people or misused their incredible responsibility to shepherd God's flock will receive harsh judgment. However, those who have followed Jesus' example as a shepherd will be generously rewarded (1 Peter 5:1-4).

Loving Shepherd, please bless your church with qualified shepherds who love you and passionately care for your sheep. Please give these faithful leaders a sense of your nearness, help, and pleasure as they faithfully carry out their responsibilities to you and your sheep. I pray in the name of Jesus, your Lamb that was slain for our sins. Amen.