The Bible records shepherding as early as the first family.

Abel, Adam and Eve’s son, kept the flocks. From then on, every forefather from Abraham to David tended sheep.

Sheep were so valuable. They were food, clothes, drink, and a vital part of temple sacrifice. But unlike other domesticated livestock, they were also forgetful and prone to wander. Those without horns were defenseless against hungry predators. So, constant watch was given to them. Shepherds guarded them day and night, all year long.

Jesus calls Himself our Shepherd.

He knows we, too, tend to wander into unsafe territory and we, too, tend to forget He is there. We get confused about which way to go. We are drawn toward greener grass, not seeing the dangers that are always right around the corner. Then we stumble into life’s ditches and forget to call on our Shepherd first to help us out.

Yet, God must see great value in us. It has been thousands of years and He is still pursuing us, still picking us up, still listening to our prayers, still sending out angelic warriors on our behalf, still providing for our needs. The God of all creation desires to spend time caring for us, little us, who have so little to offer back to Him. How blessed we are to be in His flock!