The Shepherd's Staffs

Read Zechariah 11
 
ZECHARIAH has been called to shepherd Israel. Here is his response.
 
Zechariah 11:7-9 So I pastured the flock marked for slaughter, particularly the oppressed of the flock. Then I took two staffs and called one Favor and the other Union, and I pastured the flock. 8 In one month I got rid of the three shepherds. The flock detested me, and I grew weary of them 9 and said, “I will not be your shepherd. Let the dying die, and the perishing perish. Let those who are left eat one another’s flesh.”
 
How tragic it is when we desire people follow Christ; yet they continually deny him, rejecting our hope and love for them. The staff of “Favor” represents God’s grace to reveal salvation. The word is to remind us that God’s salvation is of his will, by his grace. Favor is all-encompassing in physical, emotional and spiritual rest. The Union staff represents the unity of Israel. By his grace God saves and protects his own to unite us under one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6) We praise God, Christ’s cross is the Staff of Favor and Union for his church. Sadly, many in Israel are the flock marked for slaughter because they reject God’s shepherd.
   It is uncertain what the three shepherds represent. Perhaps they could be three ungodly leaders Zechariah removed from authority in Jerusalem and Judah.
 
Zechariah 11:10-11 Then I took my staff called Favor and broke it, revoking the covenant I had made with all the nations. 11 It was revoked on that day, and so the afflicted of the flock who were watching me knew it was the word of the Lord.
 
Does it seem to be against God’s character to revoke his covenant – to remove his promise to Israel that he would protect them from other nations? After all, “Promise Keeper” is one way we define God’s character. Yes, he is Promise Keeper. In truth, removing his protection over Israel is keeping his promises to them. Some of God’s covenants required Israel to respond in particular ways. He had repeatedly promised Israel his protection if they obeyed his commandments. He also promised his judgment if they did not obey.
   From this time forward, other nations and tyrants in succession claimed Jerusalem and Judah as their own. Jerusalem was once again destroyed in 70 AD. God promises. God is true to his Word.
 
Psalms 23:3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.