Last week, I shared with you all the fun facts about sheep that I found in my Google search. This week, I have equally fun facts about shepherds. These are not Christian websites I found–just websites that discuss duties of shepherds. Here’s what I found:
1.) Most shepherds take care of sheep, although they may be responsible for goats as well. Many shepherds must be on call for their animals around the clock.
In the same way, our Good Shepherd is always on call! Having been married to a doctor for almost 24 years, I know what that means.
It means whatever time of day or night you need him, he is available.
It means on holidays and summer breaks He is available.
It means even if you just have a question, He is available.
All you have to do is call.
Let’s look at Psalm 121:3-5.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
Psalm 121:3-5
What should our response be to this be?
- Trust. First of all, our response to this 24/7 on-call Shepherd should be trust. He is not sleeping. He is watching over you always. No emergency is a surprise to him, nothing shakes Him up. He is the creator of the Universe, for heaven’s sake. He is able to take care of any need you have.
- Encouragement. Encourage yourself in the truth that your Shepherd is a good Shepherd, the only true good Shepherd. And He is yours. Encourage yourself in this truth and then encourage someone else.
- Gratefulness. Thank Him today that He cares so greatly for you. Thank Him that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Thank Him that He cared so much He left heaven for earth so He could suffer and die for you. He would do anything for you and He already has done everything for you.
So, those are the three words for today. Trust, Encouragement, Gratefulness. Let this be our response to the abundant gifts the Good Shepherd paid so great a price to give us. Praying for you today!
Sara
