A Reflection by Roy Pearson
Some days the appointed Scriptures speak directly into the tension of our world—the uncertainty, the spiritual confusion, the longing for leadership, and the desire to see God clearly. Today’s readings—Psalm 121, Zechariah 11:4-17, 1 Corinthians 3:10-23, and Luke 18:31-43—tie together with a common thread: Where do we look for help, and whom do we trust to guide us?
Psalm 121 – Looking Up for Our Help
“I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD…”
Psalm 121 is a pilgrim song, prayed by travelers on their way to Jerusalem. The hills surrounding the city reminded them of danger—bandits, steep cliffs, uncertainty—but also reminded them of God’s protection.
The psalmist declares confidently that God watches over our coming and going—not just in moments of crisis but in the ordinary rhythms of life.
Today, this psalm calls us to remember:
- Our help doesn’t come from governments, leaders, wealth, or our own strength.
- God is awake when we are tired.
- God keeps us when the world feels unstable.
- Our steps—even our missteps—are known by Him.
In an age of anxiety, Psalm 121 re-centers our vision: Look up. God is our keeper.
Zechariah 11:4-17 – A Warning About Failed Shepherds
Zechariah’s prophecy is troubling and raw. God instructs the prophet to act out the role of a shepherd over a doomed flock—one abandoned by its leaders, exploited by those in power, and eventually given over to a “worthless shepherd” who cares nothing for the flock.
It speaks of leadership gone wrong:
- Shepherds who feed themselves instead of the sheep
- Leaders who use people rather than serving them
- Spiritual authorities who abandon compassion and justice
This ancient warning is painfully relevant. In our day we see:
- Leaders who seek power without responsibility
- Churches and institutions fractured by self-interest
- People disillusioned by unfaithful shepherds
But Zechariah also reminds us: God sees. God judges unfaithful leadership. And God will ultimately place His true Shepherd—Christ—over His people.
1 Corinthians 3:10-23 – Building on the Right Foundation
Paul writes to a divided church. Arguments, rivalries, and spiritual one-upmanship were tearing the community apart. Paul reminds them that:
- Christ is the only true foundation.
- Everything we build—our ministries, churches, relationships, and efforts—will be tested by fire.
- We are God’s temple, and His Spirit dwells in us.
- No Christian belongs to a faction, a leader, or a personality. We belong to Christ.
In a world obsessed with celebrity culture, tribalism, and “my group vs. your group,” Paul calls us back to humility:
Don’t boast in human leaders. Don’t divide. Don’t build with straw.
Build with love, truth, holiness, and humility.
If Christ is the foundation, what we build will last.
Luke 18:31-43 – The Cross and Clear Vision
Jesus tells His disciples that He will be handed over, mocked, abused, killed—and will rise again. But Luke says, “They understood none of these things.” They could not yet see.
Then immediately Luke gives us the healing of a blind man. While the disciples had physical sight but spiritual confusion, the blind man had no eyesight but perfect clarity about who Jesus truly was:
“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
And Jesus restored his sight—not just physically but spiritually.
Today this passage invites us to ask:
- Are there things God is trying to show us that we “do not understand”?
- Do we need the same humble cry: “Lord, let me see again”?
- Are we willing to follow Jesus on the road that leads through the cross before it leads to glory?
Faith begins with seeing Jesus clearly and trusting His path, even when it leads through sacrifice.
Bringing It All Together: A Word for Today
These four Scriptures give us a layered, timely message:
1. Look to God for help (Psalm 121).
An anxious world needs a God who neither sleeps nor falters.
2. Discern faithfulness in leadership (Zechariah 11).
Not all shepherds reflect God’s heart. Stay alert. Seek leaders who serve with compassion, integrity, and courage.
3. Build on the right foundation (1 Corinthians 3).
Christ—not politics, personalities, or preferences—is the central, unshakable ground of our faith.
4. Ask for true vision (Luke 18).
We often think we see clearly, but only Christ gives true sight. We must ask Him to reveal what we miss.
A Final Reflection
In these passages God meets us in our uncertainty, warns us against misplaced trust, calls us to build our lives with eternal materials, and invites us to see with clarity the One who walks toward the cross for our salvation.
Wherever you find yourself today—confused, burdened, uncertain, or hopeful—lift your eyes.
Christ is your Shepherd, your Foundation, and the One who restores your sight.
The Curious Pilgrims 