How does Psalm 78:71 illustrate God's choice of leaders for His people? Setting the Scene “From tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of Jacob His people, of Israel His inheritance.” (Psalm 78:71) • Psalm 78 retells Israel’s history, highlighting God’s faithfulness and Israel’s failures. • Into that backdrop, verse 71 zooms in on David, showing how God deliberately raises a humble shepherd to lead His covenant people. The Shepherd Leader Chosen • God’s pick: a teenage shepherd in Bethlehem (1 Samuel 16:11–13). • His promotion: from guarding helpless lambs to guiding an entire nation. • The image: leadership is shepherding—caring, protecting, feeding, guiding. Qualities God Prioritizes • Humility—David’s life revolved around unseen, lowly tasks. • Faithfulness in small things—his vigilance with “ewes” proved readiness for larger trust (Luke 16:10). • A servant heart—he knew the sheep by name, foreshadowing the relational leadership God desires (John 10:14). • Dependence on the Lord—lonely pastures deepened David’s worship and faith (Psalm 23:1). God’s Pattern in Scripture • Moses—pulled from Midianite flocks to free Israel (Exodus 3:1–10). • Gideon—threshing in obscurity before leading an army (Judges 6:11–14). • Amos—a shepherd and fig-picker sent to prophesy (Amos 7:14–15). • The disciples—ordinary fishermen turned world-shapers (Matthew 4:18–22). • Jesus—the ultimate “Good Shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep (John 10:11). Implications for Today • God’s choice often surprises—He looks past résumé and reputation to the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). • Leadership begins in hidden faithfulness—mundane obedience is the proving ground. • True leaders view God’s people as treasured “inheritance,” not personal platform (1 Peter 5:2–3). • Shepherd-like oversight—protecting truth, nurturing growth, pursuing the wandering—is still His standard (Jeremiah 3:15; Ephesians 4:11–13). |
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