The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psalm 23:1)
In just these few words, so much is revealed to us about God Himself and what He looks for in His people. In temporal ways, what is more lowly and, some might argue, more degrading than a simple shepherd who walks behind a bunch of bleating animals carrying a stick and a knapsack? And yet that simple shepherd, if he is a good one, demonstrates some of the greatest attributes day after day.
He must see to it that each and every animal has everything it needs — provision, protection, guidance and compassion. In short, a flock that is under the care of a loving shepherd will not lack in anything. David’s formative years were spent watching over his father’s flock, and so, he understood how vulnerable the animals in his care were. He understood how important it was to keep continual watch over those who were completely dependent upon him.
In that light he, along with others, regarded the Almighty as the greatest of shepherds. On several occasions, God is referred to as Israel’s Shepherd and His people are “the sheep of His pasture” (Psalm 100:3). Near the end of his life, Jacob referred to God in this manner saying, “God has been my Shepherd all my life long unto this day” (Genesis 48:15). The point is, many notable people did not consider it an insult to acknowledge God as the Shepherd of His people because they understood just what that meant to them.
In other words, these men appreciated just how dependent they were upon God’s goodness and His care and how loving and compassionate He is. Without Him as our Shepherd, we would wander away and be lost to the predators of this world. So then, if we are to regard and appreciate God as our Shepherd — a title He willingly receives — should we be surprised to find that so many of those He called to lead His people were also shepherds?
As we know, David was watching over flocks up until the moment he was summoned to be anointed as Israel’s king. Moses was called by God while he was busy tending the flocks and herds of his father-in-law. We could argue that God does not elevate anyone to great heights of leadership until they have first been tested in small, lowly matters. When a man or woman demonstrates a willingness and commitment to be faithful over the little things, they can be trusted with greater things. Whether or not we are called to shepherd a large flock, all of us are called to shepherd those in our sphere of influence, even if it’s only those living under our roof. And so, let us take a cue from our Shepherd and lead our little flock with loving care and consideration so that they do not lack what they need to thrive.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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