Shepherds

October 29

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 25 - 26

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 25:34 – “Wail, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow in ashes, ye principal of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are fully come, and ye shall fall like a goodly vessel.”

The Hebrew word for shepherd is a noun that refers to one who feeds and tends domestic animals. David, who himself was a shepherd, referred to God as his Shepherd in the familiar 23rd Psalm. God provides, sustains, and guides us much like an earthly shepherd. Kings and leaders were often referred to as a shepherd of their people.

Jeremiah here in this verse is rebuking the “shepherds,” or leaders of Israel who had failed in their responsibilities of caring for the people. Are you failing in your responsibility? Call on God to restore and refresh your “shepherding” today.

Prayer: Great Shepherd, guide, provide, and sustain me so that I can shepherd others. May You shine through me today. Amen.