Trusting the True Shepherd

That you may live in the land of Goshen. For shepherds were despised and hated in other parts of Egypt. (Gen. 46:34)

Gen. 46:28-34; Ex. 16:2-3; Ps. 23; John 10:1-16; Heb. 13:20; I Pet. 2:25 and 5:4

What Is God Saying?

The jealous brothers plotted against Joseph and led their father Jacob to believe he was dead. In their search for relief from famine in the land of Canaan, they discovered that Joseph was alive. When they returned to Jacob with the news that Joseph was not only alive but ruled over all the land of Egypt, Jacob was stunned. ‘His heart became like a stone; he couldn't take it in’ (Gen 45:26). Only when he saw the wagons that Joseph filled with food was he convinced.

So Jacob, along with all his family and possessions, set out for Egypt. It was no small caravan. With sixty-six people, it was a community in itself, and their destination was Goshen. Joseph met them there and, after embracing his father in a tearful reunion, he said, ‘I will go to Pharaoh and tell him that you are shepherds, with many flocks and herds, and he will be only too glad to let you live by yourselves some distance away from him.’ Here, a footnote, is our text, ‘For shepherds were despised and hated in other parts of Egypt.’

How Does This Apply To Us?

For our purposes, we will consider Egypt's hatred for all shepherds as the spirit, which has opposed God's truth, enslaved God's people, and stood for wealth, luxury, and an easy life. For example, in the wilderness, the hungry Israelites looked back to the fleshpots when they ate bread to the full (Ex. 16:23). It was a temptation that hounded them through the years. Egypt is rich and strong. Egypt will save us. However, Egypt despised and hated every shepherd, opposing the true shepherd of God's people.

Pray With Me

Dear Jesus, you are my shepherd. You are my strength and my hope. Though I am prone to wander, your patient forgiveness brings me back. Your infinite love is more than life to me. It is my life. Whatever the spirit of the age, Savior, I love you and I will follow you in green pastures, beside still waters, and in paths of righteousness.

For Your name's sake, Amen.

Moving On In The Life of Prayer

Coming to the Throne of Grace is the privilege and blessing of prayer. As we do so, it would be helpful to take an inventory of those instances when we leave the safety of the shepherd’s arms. We all have moments when we waver, but in prayer, we come to the true shepherd of our souls and trust him to lead us through every obstacle to his side, to true joy and peace, to green pastures, and still waters.