Shepherd for a Day

Scripture: Jacob fled to the land of Aram.
Israel worked to earn a wife;
he tended flocks for a wife.
The Lord brought Israel from Egypt by a prophet,
and Israel was tended by a prophet.
Hosea 12:12-13

Observation: In his proclamation against Israel, Hosea uses two examples of how a faithful act is performed ... by shepherding. Jacob served 14 years to earn his wife. Meanwhile, God himself called the shepherd Moses to become the prophet that led Israel from Egypt.

A shepherd has patience. A shepherd stands watch and cares for those in his care, protecting them from harm. A shepherd leads the flock to a new pasture when needed, and provides them water at the proper time. A shepherd steps forward when harm is near to protect everybody else, even when those others have little earthly value.

These are the men Hosea speaks of as examples for Israel, and as the prototypes that the Lord calls to perform his purposes time and time again.

Application: Today, a former employee told me of my impact on her life. I cried. I had no idea I had ... comforted her through deaths in her family, given her strength with the challenges of her son, provided her hope for her career, mentored her success, and become a "father figure".

I feel like maybe - just maybe - I was a shepherd for a while. And perhaps that is the role I should really be seeking in life.

Prayer: Lord, today was a great day, in a way that only you could have provided. In the midst of struggle and pain, who gave me great joy and hope. I love you, Lord, SO much!! As you guide me through this dark valley, please feel free to take me to wherever you need me. Amen.