Rest in Godනියැදිය

Our Shepherd

Such a beautiful image – gentle, loving, peaceful. The Lord is the one in whom we find our rest.

The shepherd’s job was to care for the family sheep. We’re not thinking about huge sheep farms with all the equipment. We think about smaller herds that one person, usually the youngest boy in the family, would care for. His job was to guard them from being taken by predators, find food for them, and tend to their well-being. The shepherd has his bag, his rod and staff, his sling, and his flute. If he were away overnight, he would build a simple pen to keep the sheep safe at night.

Typically, the grazing would be done close to the village; however, as the grass faded, the shepherd would be forced to go further away to feed and care for the sheep. Some of Israel’s greatest leaders were shepherds – Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Rachel, and David. Clearly caring for the flock prepared these people for caring for God’s people, a place where they could be safe and find rest.

Look again at how God cares for His people. In Him we can find rest. Take the time to pause, pray, and seek God through His Word. He is gentle, kind, caring, and so we can confidently find rest in Him.

Written by DAVID BARKER