Session 1
The Shepherd in the Old Testament
After speaking all things into existence, we find Father God conversing with His first human creation, Adam, in a way that we would speak to each other. (Genesis 2:15-22)
The next time we hear God speak is after Adam and Eve did their thing eating the forbidden fruit in the garden. (Genesis 3:8-13)
The next important moments when God speaks directly to His people, if you like as a shepherd, is when we read the stories of Abraham (Genesis 17:22) and Moses (Exodus 13:18), with Cain, and Noah coming later.
Is it clear there is a distinct difference between people who live without a shepherd and those who seek to live their lives under the guidance, gaze and voice of the Shepherd.
There are two important words that occur again and again in scripture, and these are ‘Shepherd’ and ‘Feed’, and they clearly talk about protection, feeding, safety and leading. They convey the sense that all will be well.
The positive side of the story of God as a Shepherd is revealed by the Old Testament writers Moses (Genesis 48:15, 49:24), David (Psalm 23:1, 28:9), Asaph (Psalm 80:1), Isaiah (Isaiah 40:11), and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 34:14-16).
The downside of having no shepherd, is revealed by God’s servants, Moses (Numbers 27:17), Micaiah (1 Kings 22:17), Isaiah (Isaiah 13:14), and Ezekiel(Ezekiel 34:5 & 8).
Questions:
- Do you live your life as though you are in charge? Are you seeking out other ways of finding meaning for your life or would you prefer someone show you where to find safety and live in a place where there is good pasture, which would include safety, peace of mind and a settled life?
- If the answer is yes to the third part of the question, what do you think that might look like and how do you think you could test it?
The Shepherd Speaks 