Strength and Security in the True Shepherd Zechariah 10:1 – 11:17 Reverend Aaron Liu

 Strength and Security in the True Shepherd

Last Sunday, 9th, March,2025, Reverend Aaron Liu preached on Zechariah 10:1 – 11:17, emphasizing God’s role as the True Shepherd who restores, strengthens, and secures His people. The sermon explored three key aspects of God’s shepherding: guidance, restoration, and security, warning against false shepherds while pointing to Christ as our ultimate protector.


1. Deceived by What Cannot Sustain (Zechariah 10:1-5)

The sermon began with a call to rely on God rather than deceptive sources of help. Zechariah 10:1 urges, “Ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain.” This highlights God’s provision, contrasting with the false security offered by idols and diviners who give empty promises (Zechariah 10:2). Just as Israel was misled by false shepherds, we, too, can be deceived by worldly solutions that cannot truly sustain us.

However, in Zechariah 10:3-5, God declares His anger against false leaders and promises to restore His people. He strengthens them like a war horse in battle, making them victorious. This foreshadows Christ, the True Shepherd (John 10:11), who leads His people with power and truth.

2. Strength in the Shepherd’s Restoration (Zechariah 10:6-12)

Restoration comes through faith in the True Shepherd. God promises to bring back and strengthen His people, saying, “I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph” (Zechariah 10:6). Despite their past failures, God’s compassion prevails. This mirrors Jesus’ mission in Luke 19:10—“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

The scattered people of Israel will be gathered and redeemed (Zechariah 10:8-10). This foreshadows Christ’s role in uniting believers, as seen in Ephesians 2:13-14, where Jesus brings both Jews and Gentiles into one body. The sermon emphasized that our strength comes not from ourselves but from being restored in Christ.

3. Security in the True Shepherd (Zechariah 11:1-17)

Zechariah 11 warns about the dangers of false shepherds. These leaders exploit and mislead God’s people, leading them to destruction. In contrast, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:14-15).

Zechariah 11:12-13 prophetically references Judas’ betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 27:3-10). This reminds us that rejecting the True Shepherd leads to judgment, but trusting in Christ provides security. Through Him, we find true leadership, guidance, and eternal safety.

Conclusion: Trust in the True Shepherd

The sermon closed with an encouragement to trust in Christ alone for provision, restoration, and security. Like Israel, we may sometimes be deceived by false hopes, but God remains our faithful Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-3). His promise to restore and strengthen us is fulfilled in Jesus, who guides His flock with love and truth.

Let us fix our eyes on the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and remain steadfast in His care.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How can distinguishing between true and false shepherds impact your spiritual journey?
2. In what ways have you experienced seeking sustenance from broken cisterns in your life?
3. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually depleted; what led you back to God?
4. What steps can you take to ensure you are following the Good Shepherd rather than false influencers.

1. How can distinguishing between true and false shepherds impact your spiritual journey?

Distinguishing between true and false shepherds is crucial because it determines the direction of our spiritual growth. Jesus warns in John 10:12-13 about hired hands who abandon the sheep when danger comes, contrasting them with Himself—the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His flock (John 10:11).

False shepherds mislead through self-interest, distorting God's truth, while true shepherds point us toward Christ and His Word. Being discerning ensures that we follow biblical teaching rather than worldly ideologies or deceptive doctrines (1 John 4:1). When we recognize and submit to the leadership of the True Shepherd, we experience peace, spiritual nourishment, and a strengthened faith.

2. In what ways have you experienced seeking sustenance from broken cisterns in your life?

Jeremiah 2:13 says, “My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.”

Broken cisterns represent false securities—things we rely on apart from God, such as wealth, relationships, achievements, or even self-sufficiency. Many times, I have placed my trust in my own abilities rather than surrendering to God’s guidance. This often led to burnout, frustration, and disappointment. However, every time I returned to God in repentance, He reminded me that only He can truly satisfy my soul (John 4:14).

3. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually depleted; what led you back to God?

There have been moments when I felt spiritually dry—times of doubt, worry, or distance from God. Perhaps it was due to busyness, discouragement, or personal struggles. King David expresses this feeling in Psalm 42:11, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God.”

What led me back was often a deep conviction from God’s Word, a sermon, or the encouragement of fellow believers. Worship and prayer reignited my faith, reminding me that God never left me. Isaiah 40:31 assures, “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.” Returning to God always brings renewal and strength.

4. What steps can you take to ensure you are following the Good Shepherd rather than false influencers?

  • Regularly study the Word – The Bible is our guide in discerning truth from deception (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
  • Stay connected to a Christ-centered community – Godly counsel and accountability help prevent us from straying (Proverbs 11:14).
  • Pray for discernment – Ask God for wisdom to recognize His voice among many distractions (James 1:5).
  • Examine the fruit – Jesus said, “By their fruits, you will know them” (Matthew 7:15-20). True shepherds lead people toward righteousness, while false influencers promote self-centered gain.

By keeping our focus on Christ, we ensure that our faith is built on His truth and not on fleeting influences.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before Thee with grateful hearts, thanking Thee for this time of fellowship, reflection, and the wisdom Thou hast imparted to us through Thy Word. Lord, Thou art our True Shepherd, the One who guideth, restoreth, and secureth us in Thy love.

Today, we have learned the importance of distinguishing between true and false shepherds. Help us, O God, to have discernment so that we may follow only Thy voice and not be led astray by worldly distractions or deceitful influences. May we always seek sustenance from Thee, the Fountain of Living Water, and not from broken cisterns that cannot satisfy.

Lord, when we feel weary and spiritually depleted, draw us back to Thee. Remind us of Thy faithfulness and the promise that those who wait upon Thee shall renew their strength. Strengthen our hearts to trust in Thee completely and to walk in obedience to Thy Word.

We also lift up Reverend Aaron Liu and Reverend Danny Chiew into Thy hands. Lord, bless them abundantly as they shepherd Thy flock with wisdom and truth. Strengthen them in their ministry, protect them from all harm, and fill them with fresh anointing so they may continue to preach Thy Word boldly. May their leadership bring more people to know Thee and experience the fullness of Thy love.

We pray that Thou wouldst lead us in paths of righteousness for Thy name’s sake. Give us the wisdom to follow Thee wholeheartedly and the courage to reject anything that pulleth us away from Thy truth. May our lives be a testimony of Thy goodness, reflecting the grace and love of Jesus, our Good Shepherd.

As we go forth from this gathering, let Thy peace and presence remain with us. May we be lights in this world, pointing others to Thee. We commit ourselves into Thy hands, trusting that Thou wilt continue to lead us in truth and righteousness.

In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray, Amen.

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