Wednesday, 23 October 2013

The Few Sheep



The Few Sheep

David never lost a public battle. He was a giant killer who produced giant killers. He reclaimed Jerusalem from the Jebusites, brought back the ark and restored the worship of Jehovah in Zion. The mountains that surrounded Jerusalem which fortified the Jebusites, became a symbol of how God securely surrounds his people[1].

To raise David, God used a few sheep[2]. The sheepfold where David looked after a few sheep of a poor farmer was his training and testing ground. The one positive thing going for him was - keeper of a few sheep. Faithfully caring for the sheep in the dangerous plains and hills shaped his character. Before God raises you, he also will ask you to first look after some few sheep. David was so faithful with the sheep that he would literally put his life on the line in their defense[3]. David gave his heart to it. He did such a good job that he was able to draw his description of good shepherding in Psalm 23 from his own quality practice. He was with the sheep in the valley of the shadow of death and they lacked nothing. 

When he was alone in the sheepfold, he learnt to play the harp and to praise God. The harp skill brought him before the king. When he fought the lion and the bear, he learnt faith and skill he would need to conquer Goliaths. When he patiently tendered for the little lambs and saw them grow to being big and confident, he learnt the patience necessary to transform malcontents of society to giants for God. In all he learnt to trust God and experience his unfailing favor.


[1] Psalm 125:2
[2] 1 Samuel 17:28
[3] 1 Samuel 17:34

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