The People’s Shepherd

God throughout Scripture represents His people as sheep and Himself as their shepherd. That’s interesting because what I read about the cultural views of shepherds during the biblical time periods paints a picture that really shouldn’t include God, the Father. Shepherds weren’t held in high esteem, in fact many peoples despised them (Genesis 46:34). It was probably because they were smelly from being around stinky animals; they were dirty since they spent most of their time in the wilderness; they were strangers to most people wandering around from place to place in search of pasture. These descriptions don’t seem to fit a holy, righteous God that is to be honored, revered, and respected. It appears that shepherding was the job everyone needed but that no one wanted (it usually fell to the lowliest or even the youngest in the family – 1 Samuel 16:11).

Yet most of the great heroes of the faith were shepherds: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses (when God called him), and David (before he was king). So to God, being a shepherd was not derogatory, unseemly, or lowly. It was actually a very important job since they had to tend to the animals used for sacrifice (which had to be perfect specimens – no handicaps, bruises or blemishes). To Him, it was a needed and honorable profession.

In Jeremiah 23:1-8 (and many other places), God depicts the leaders of His people as shepherds. He holds them responsible for taking care of His people. But He was deeply disturbed that His shepherds had oppressed His people and had scattered His flock by oppressing them for their own greedy gain and neglecting to care for their needs (see also Ezekiel 34). So He promised to punish these worthless shepherds very severely.

And that’s when He makes His astounding announcement: He declares that He Himself will become His people’s shepherd! What??? The Righteous and Holy, Creator God – forever to be respected, esteemed, and highly honored – will take the job no one wants; the one forced upon the lowliest of mankind? Yes because His worthless shepherds have driven His sheep away from safe pasture and their lives are now in danger of exposure to the elements and predators. That’s the opposite of what His intentions are. He wants us all back safe and sound in His place; He wants us to be well-fed and healthy; He wants to calm our fears and to protect us from enemy predators. Since His appointees think this work is beneath them, He willingly steps in and becomes the servant-leader His people need.

This prophecy from Jeremiah and Ezekiel was fulfilled when Jesus arrived and gave His life on the cross to atone for our sins. As He Himself declares, He is the door/gate to God’s sheep pen (John 10:1-10). This is perfect for it acknowledges that Jesus is the avenue by which we gain access to our loving Shepherd (see too John 14:6). This allows us the privilege of being shielded by His grace, protected from the evil one, and blessed with the peace of mind and contentment that comes with our sins being remitted. Now His Spirit guides us from within and leads us along safe paths through the wilderness – if we’re willing to follow His lead. And we have all the blessings depicted in the great shepherd Psalm 23: Courage, Confidence, and Contentment.

Being in the Shepherd’s flock provides the abundant life everyone is seeking both now and forever more. Most are not finding it because they’re following robbing, thieving shepherds (Satan = self) or they’re trying to figure things out on their own. That’s why those outside of Christ are called “lost” and why they’re angry, and lonely, and abused. Don’t listen to the critics and antagonists: they don’t know what they’re doing or where they’re going. You will end up like them – dead meat for the predators (1 Peter 5:8).

No, get into Jesus and stay under His loving care. Follow the Good Shepherd to healthy pastures. You’ll have everything you need for the journey home. And you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with being sure that you’re on the right path, the one that truly leads back to the palace the Father has prepared for you to enjoy for eternity.

Doug