One of the Shepherds

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1

The role of shepherds in the Bible is prominent. They are depicted as simple labourers and servants of a greater master. They are people in touch with nature, with the elements of wind, rain, heat, cold. They are also used as a metaphor for great leaders like David. Jesus referred to himself as the Good Shepherd. When Amos the prophet begins his words of judgment and correction for the nation of Israel as one of the Twelve Minor prophets in the Bible, he simply refers to himself as “one of the shepherds of Tekoa.” What does it require to be used of God? In the case of this seer, a non-professional prophet, a man of his time and place, it required bold obedience. In our own time and place, we are called to serve God and to serve others around us. Sometimes it requires holy boldness to speak out in our own time and place, but we also are called to be “one of the shepherds.” Fortunately, we have a Good Shepherd to follow.