A flock of sheep without a shepherd are likely to scatter and miss their way home. Shepherds do not just tend and rear the sheep, they give the sheep a sense of direction and protection. Considering the vulnerability of sheep, a shepherd is always needed whenever there is a flock of sheep to be catered for. In the ancient days, the flock of sheep were taken out of the pen to find pasture. The shepherd will locate where the grass is lush and where there is enough water for the sheep. The sheep does not show the shepherd the direction that should be taken. In obedience and trust, the sheep gently follows the shepherd with the confidence that the shepherd will lead them to where they will be safe and find food.
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40:11)
In the Bible, the Lord is a Shepherd that tends His flock (people). This metaphor is built upon the relationship between the Shepherd as the one with power and ability to safeguard, and the sheep as the vulnerable one needing help and a sense of direction. In Isaiah 40:11, the prophet wrote that, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11). The image of gathering the lamps in His arms and carrying them close to His heart shows a picture of a loving shepherd who is concerned about the well-being of his sheep. This Shepherd in Isaiah is not just concerned about the strong and mighty sheep. He also cares for the ones with young lamps. He is concerned and ensures that none perishes.
The Psalmist David, who was a shepherd, understood the concept of shepherding from a more practical perspective. He was taking care of his father’s flock and knew what the shepherd did to ensure the safety of the sheep. In Psalms 23:1-6, David wrote that, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” This Psalm reveals the intricate role of the shepherd in the life of the sheep. And for David, the Lord does this perfectly.
In the New Testament, Jesus made a profound statement. He said in John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Jesus continued that “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (John 10:14). No wonder the first announcement of the birth of Jesus was made to shepherds on the fields watching their flocks. These shepherds like Jesus our chief Shepherd, were taking care of a vulnerable flock. While others were home resting, eating and making merry, the Shepherds were with the sheep in the fields taking care of the needs of the sheep. Similarly, Jesus didn't come to the earth to do whatever He desired. He said in Luke 19:10 that “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Even when his disciples asked Him to eat something because they knew He was hungry, Jesus' reply was this, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” (John 4:34).
From the cradle to the cross, our Shepherd laid down His life to ransom humanity from the hands of sin and the punishment that loomed upon us. As you celebrate Christmas, ponder over this, “Is the Lord Jesus the Shepherd of my life? Take time to take stock of your life and identify areas that you have not committed to Him. Make an intentional effort to trust Him with your whole life.
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