March 16, 1999, Tuesday

What was the purpose of God to deliver the Israelites out

of slavery in Egypt? Were His people divided and unhappy

many times as they wandered their way to the promised land?

Did His people profit and gain by the promise to have their

own land that God gave to His people?

The Psalmist tells us of the mighty work of God to deliver

His people from slavery in Egypt by mighty works and wonders-

"Then He led His people out like a shepherd and guided

them through the desert" (Psa 78:52). Just as He led Israel

from slavery in Egypt to provide them a promised land that

would allow them to live in freedom, God continues to be

that Good Shepherd that leads us from the slavery of sin to

a spiritual land of promise and freedom from sin.

Jeremiah recorded God's Word and statments about His own

people. God is the Shepherd that is a guard to His people-

"I scattered my people, but I will gather them and guard

them as a shepherd guards his flock" (Jer 31:10b). Just as

sheep are prone to wander and stray when they forget their

shepherd, His people are prone to drift away from the Good

Shepherd. But God is faithful to gather them, to protect

them, and to call them His own. Who would come to our rescue

if we were left to our own way to wander?

John wrote of the explanation by Jesus of the duty and

love of a good shepherd. The good shepherd is committed

to the welfare and gain of the flock; that it flourish-

"I am the Good Shepherd, who is willing to die for the

sheep" (John 10:11). Jesus was prepared to give His life

that His people who are the sheep of His pasture may

profit and gain eternal life. Sheep without a shepherd

do not fare well; they need care and maintenance. The

believer needs the care of His Shepherd to profit and

to flourish in his daily life.

Let us remember who is the God that is our Shepherd. God's

Name is Jehová Rohi. He is the God that is our Guide. He

Provides direction and a way for us. He is our Guard. He

Protects us from harm and keeps us safe under the shelter

of His wings. Jehová Rohi teaches us that godliness is great

Gain. He Profits us by withholding no good thing to those

that walk in His righteous paths. Lift your hands to Him and

Praise Him today for the fact that He is the God that leads

and shepherds us according to the integrity of His heart!