Inspired by God, the prophet Zechariah gave a prophecy that is also a spiritual principle: "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered" (Zechariah 13:7).

Jesus quoted this prophecy just a couple of hours prior to His arrest in the garden of Gethsemane: "Then Jesus said to them, All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered" (Mark 14:27). Jesus’ disciples were scattered upon His arrest – they all fled (verse 50).

Zechariah’s prophecy obviously refers to Jesus, but it also reflects a spiritual principle for God’s people throughout the ages. Without loyal, stable shepherds, God’s people tend to be scattered. This was true in Israel’s history every time the priests were negligent in fulfilling their responsibilities. It also applies to God’s church in the last 2000 years.

Satan knows this principle, too, so he wants to attack the shepherds and thereby weaken the flock. On the same evening that Jesus quoted Zechariah’s prophecy, He told the apostle Peter about Satan’s desire to attack him: "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren" (Luke 22:31-32). Satan knew that Peter had leadership potential and, with God’s help, could "strengthen his brethren."

Our calling in this life prepares us to be kings and priests in the World Tomorrow with Jesus: "For you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth" (Revelation 5:9-10).

It is no wonder, then, that Satan wants to sift us as wheat, too, to prevent us from becoming assistant shepherds to Christ upon His return. Revelation 12 shows us the anger that Satan directs toward the church immediately prior to Christ’s return (verses 13 and 17).

Let’s pray for each other that our "faith should not fail" so we, too, can strengthen our brethren in the wonderful World Tomorrow.

With these thoughts I wish us all a rewarding Sabbath!