Trusting the True Shepherd
Every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians. (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 came back to Jacob with the unbelievable 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 with all his family and all his 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 Pharoah 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 added. It 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 of Egypt 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. But Egypt despised and hated every shepherd and opposed the true Shepherd of God's people. The spirit of Egypt promises wealth, security, and comfort apart from righteousness, things that seem so inviting and prove so false.
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. ‘Every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.’ The spirit of Egypt, as a symbol of hatred of the shepherd, has no concern or interest in the welfare of the sheep for whom the Good Shepherd cares but is opposed to the goodness and truth of God. When the spirit of Egypt triumphs, the simple goodness of faith in Jesus is despised and the Good Shepherd is considered unimportant and unreal. 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 specific instances when the spirit of Egypt has taken over. 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 true peace, green pastures, and still waters.
