Confessing The Hebrew ScripturesEsimerkki

Then he blessed Joseph and said, “The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has shepherded me throughout my life to this day.” —Genesis 48:15

Va•ye•vá•rech et-Yo•séf va•yo•mar ha•Elohím ashér hit•hal•chu avo•tái le•fa•nav Av•ra•hám ve•Yitz•chák ha•Elohím ha•ro•eh o•ti me•odi ad-ha•yom ha•zé.

A shepherd takes care of his sheep, guiding them to nourishment, safety, and rest. He protects them against dangers and even carries them through rough terrain when they are too weak to make it on their own. He tends to their injuries and brings healing. He protects them from predators and from the tendency to wander off alone, where they are vulnerable and isolated from his guidance and provision. The shepherd leads his sheep to the food, water, and rest that they need to thrive. Like one who tends sheep, God shepherds those who are His. He has given us His Spirit to guide us, His Word to nourish us, and His spiritual armor to protect us. He has given us rest through Jesus the Messiah. In all of these ways, God shepherds us “throughout our lives and to this very day.” What are some other ways you have seen God shepherd you in your life?