December 28, 1998, Monday

Do you know of any great leaders that came from humble

beginnings? Were those leaders concerned about the well

being and safety of their followers? Were those leaders

concerned about the benefit and gain of their followers?

The Jewish leaders of Jerusalem were consulted by Herod

when he heard that the King of the Jews had been born.

Those leaders revealed to Herod the birthplace that the

Scriptures of Micah the prophet spoke about long ago---

"Bethlehem in the land of Judah, you are by no means the

least of the leading cities of Judah; for from you will

come a leader who will guide my people Israel" (Mat 2:6),

(Mic 5:2). This leader and Chief Shepherd was Jesus who

could guide His people in truth and the righteous path.

As that Chief Shepherd grew to take His ministry role as

the protector of Israel, He began to warn them of dangers-

"And he went on to say to them all, "Watch out and guard

yourselves from every kind of greed; because your true

life is not made up of the things you own, no matter how

rich you may be" (Luk 12:15). Just as the wise men were

warned about the plot of Herod by the Holy Spirit, Jesus

warns us about the traps that Satan sets for us.

Moses was a leader that gave the commandments to the people

for their benefit and gain. He expressed the heart and mind

of God to his people, and explained the instructions of God-

"Then He told me to go and lead you, so that you could take

possession of the land that He had promised to give to your

ancestors. "Now, people of Israel, listen to what the Lord

your God demands of you: Worship the Lord and do all that

He commands. Love Him, serve Him with all your heart, and

obey all His laws. I am giving them to you today for your

benefit and your gain" (Deut 10:11-13). His commandments

are not burdensome but are a blessing to us.

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. Jehova 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!