The Explanation

The fields were dry. So dry. The little plants needed water, or they would not grow.

Who could give rain? Only One. Only God.

So Zechariah said: ask God for rain. Not the little statues. Not the men with false dreams. They could not help. Not one bit.

Without a good shepherd, the sheep were lost. They walked around, scared and alone. But God saw His sheep. He was not far away.

What Does This Mean?

God said something big. "I have mercy on them." Even when His people wandered off, God did not stop loving them.

He said: I will bring you back. I will make you strong. Like a big, strong horse, ready for battle.

Close your eyes and think of that horse. Tall. Strong. Not afraid.

That is how God would make His people. Not because they were so good. Because God loved them.

The Common Thread

From this family would come someone special. Listen: "From him will come the cornerstone."

A cornerstone is the very first stone. The most important one. Everything is built on it.

That stone is Jesus. He is the strong one everything stands on. He is the good Shepherd the sheep were waiting for. He does not lose His sheep. Not one.

God said He would call His people, from far, far away. Like calling children home for supper. "I will signal for them, and gather them." He would bring them home, even across the sea, even through deep water. Nothing could stop Him.

For You

Have you ever felt lost? Like a little sheep, far from home?

You do not need to be scared. God sees you. He knows your name.

When you need something, you can ask Him, just like the farmers asked for rain. You do not whisper to statues. You talk to God. He hears you.

And He will bring you home. Always home to Him.

Talk About It

Can you think of something you need? Will you ask God for it, like the rain?

What do you think it means that God calls you His sheep?

Praying Together

Dear God, You see me, even when I feel lost. Thank You that You are my good Shepherd. Thank You for Jesus, the strong stone. Bring me close to You today. Amen.