Read: Isaiah 40:11; Psalms 79:13; Ezekiel 34:11-24
In what ways is God portrayed as a shepherd? Is God rough with the sheep or gentle? How does He work with you? Can you think of times when He has carried you? What was that like? How has God delivered you out of a rough time? In what ways has He delivered you? How has He protected you? Today, give thanks to the Lord for His good shepherding in your life.
Read:Psalm 23
What is the role of the Lord in Psalm 23? Explain just what Psalm 23 says about this shepherd. In what way is He a good or a bad shepherd? How has He shepherded you? Today thank Him for the many ways that He has been a Shepherd in your life.
Shepherds have often been seen as the too young to matter; the unimportant lower class, dregs of society. Were they outcasts or was shepherding considered an honorable calling? It depends. When Joseph brought his family into Egypt in Genesis 46 he warned them to say to Pharaoh that they were shepherds so they would be left alone and allowed to stay, for shepherds were an abomination class in Egypt. But throughout Bible history, the shepherd played an important role. Especially in the Christmas story.
Read: John 10:1-16
What defines a good shepherd? How does a good shepherd differ from a bad one? How does a sheep know which of the shepherds is the good one? How will you know when your Good Shepherd is calling you? Today be quiet before the Lord and listen for His voice in Scripture.