The Good
Shepherd is always near (1/2)
George Hawke
“Never will I leave
you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
Sheep were
important animals for the ancient peoples. They provided food to eat, milk to
drink, wool for making cloth, and hides and bones for many other uses. Adam’s
son Abel kept flocks of sheep for these purposes, and also used them in
sacrifices as well (Gen. 4:2-4).
Ancient
Shepherds: Shepherds were employed to take care of the flock by leading
them to grass and water, and by protecting them from wild animals. They also
cared for weak, sick and injured animals and made sure that all the sheep had
sufficient rest. We can learn much about the role of the shepherd by reading
Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34 and John 10.
A good shepherd
enjoyed a close relationship with his flock. The sheep recognized his voice and
he knew each of them by name. Because of this, they willingly followed the
shepherd as he moved about. There was no need to force the sheep or have dogs
muster them as modern grazers often do. Also, flocks would have been smaller in
Bible times than they are in many countries today. In those days, a flock of 100
sheep would have been considered large (Mt. 18:12).
To protect the flock
at night against predators, the shepherd either provided a safe enclosure, or
stayed out in the fields to guard them (Lk. 2:8). He was required to defend the
sheep against attacks from wild animals. Remember, David had to kill a lion and
a bear when he was a shepherd (1 Sam. 17:34-37).
Sheep tend to follow
one another, and, therefore are easily lead astray. That is why sheep without a
shepherd eventually become scattered around the countryside and are seen as
being helpless (Mt. 9:36; 26:31). Shepherds counted their sheep regularly and
searched for any that were lost or had strayed away. When they found them, they
brought them back to the flock. So, in Bible times there was a caring
relationship between a shepherd and his small flock.
David, the
Shepherd: David, who was born in 1040 BC and eventually became
king of Israel, was such a shepherd (1 Sam. 17:15). The experience of caring for
his father’s sheep enabled him to develop an appreciation for an important
attribute of God.
David became popular
after he killed Goliath, the Philistine giant. As David’s military victories and
his popularity increased, King Saul became jealous. This jealousy developed into
hatred, and Saul pursued David to kill him. During this period David lived as a
fugitive, seeking refuge in various places and moving around constantly to avoid
Saul and his men (1 Sam. 18-30). He feared for his life.
David’s feelings at
this time are recorded in many of the Psalms (Ps.18, 54, 56, 57, 59, 142). He
cried out to God for help in times of danger, distress and desperate need. He
described God as his shield, refuge, stronghold, fortress, rock and his
salvation. He found that God gave help, deliverance, victory, safety, security,
protection, sustenance, strength, guidance, direction, peace, hope and love. He
claimed this about God: “You, O God, are my fortress, my loving God ... You will
go before me” (Ps. 59:9-10). [To be concluded]
----
[Courtesy: Grace & Truth
Online]