Favor and Union
Zechariah 11:7
So I shepherded the flock intended for slaughter, the afflicted of the flock. I took two staffs, calling one Favor and the other Union, and I shepherded the flock
Zechariah 11 is a picture of a good shepherd in contrast to a bad one. The bad shepherd wanted only the best for his own profit and sent the afflicted out for slaughter. The good shepherd, however, tended to the needs of the afflicted among the flock so they would be made whole. The good shepherd had the best interest of the afflicted at heart.
If you feel damaged, overlooked, or thrown away, remember today that you serve a God who tends to the afflicted among the flock. He is not willing that any should perish but that all be made whole through His Son, Jesus Christ. His plan for your healing, however, comes from the combination of His favor and union with the body of Christ.
Instead of dismissing us as sheep meant for slaughter, God leads us with Favor and Union to create a worshipping body. Indeed, we can do nothing without His favor, but with it, nothing is impossible. His favor brings healing and opens doors for us we could not open on our own. Union with a body of believers, also known as the church, will allow us to develop and grow, becoming productive members of the body of Christ. Favor and union worth together to transform us from afflicted sheep to healthy, well groomed, and fully functioning members of the flock.
The Christian life was not meant to be lived in isolation, and God does not slaughter the afflicted. He is a restoring God who brings healing through His favor and growth through union with other believers. Each believer is given a gift by the Holy Spirit that edifies the body, and being a part of a local church should both heal you and develop the gift within you. If you are not already a part of a healthy local church that can minister to your needs and allow you to develop and operate in your spiritual gift, look for a place that will. God’s favor is found with union, and without them, we are all like sheep intended for slaughter.
Have a blessed day!