MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023
/Monday, March 13, 2023
God Leads Like a Shepherd
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. Isaiah 40: 11 (NLT)
Through the Spirit-empowered leadership of Moses, God led His chosen people out of the lush land of Egypt and into the vast wilderness. The Israelites were totally dependent on both God’s provision and His faithfulness in leading them through the dangerous and unknown land.
The image of a shepherd is familiar to people living in the lands of the Middle East. As you read the following passages, notice how this image is used to describe God’s relationship with His people, especially the manner in which He led them during their years in the desert. Take note of what God does / provides / and desires for His flock and what those details reveal about the kind of leader God is. READ: Psalm 23: 1 – 4; Psalm 77: 19 & 20; Psalm 78: 52 – 55; Psalm 100: 3; Isaiah 40: 10 & 11; Jeremiah 31: 10
After the Hebrews marched out of Egypt, God anticipated and met their need for His guiding, protective presence – in much the same way a shepherd would guide a flock. In each of the following passages what specific examples of shepherd-like care did God provide for His people? READ: Exodus 13: 17, 18, 21 & 22; Exodus 14: 19 & 20; Exodus 15: 23 – 27; Numbers 9: 15 – 23; Deuteronomy 1: 30 – 33
a. Why do you think it was important for the Israelites to actually see and experience God ‘s leading?
b. In what ways do you think these examples helped them to know their God and trust Him as their shepherd?