How can we trust God as our shepherd like Jacob in Genesis 48:15? The Verse at the Center “Then he blessed Joseph and said: ‘May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day,’” (Genesis 48:15) Jacob’s Lifelong Shepherd • God guided Jacob from his early flight to Haran (Genesis 28). • He prospered Jacob under Laban despite deception (Genesis 31:7–9). • He protected Jacob when Esau approached with four hundred men (Genesis 33:4). • He preserved Jacob through famine and moved him safely to Egypt (Genesis 46:3–4). Throughout every stage, Jacob looked back and called the LORD “my shepherd.” What a Shepherd Does • Leads the flock to good pasture (Psalm 23:2). • Provides nourishment and rest (Ezekiel 34:14–15). • Guards against thieves and predators (John 10:12–13). • Searches for the wandering sheep and carries the weak (Isaiah 40:11). • Knows each sheep by name and voice (John 10:3–4). Unchanging Shepherd Promises • Provision: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) • Guidance: “He leads me beside still waters.” (Psalm 23:2) • Presence: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” (Psalm 23:4) • Sacrifice: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) • Eternal security: “My sheep hear My voice… no one will snatch them out of My hand.” (John 10:27–28) • Everlasting care: “Now may the God of peace… bring back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep.” (Hebrews 13:20) Choosing Trust Like Jacob • Remember past faithfulness—keep a record of God’s provisions as Jacob did. • Stay close to the Word—feed on Scripture daily; His voice steadies wandering hearts. • Obey the Shepherd’s leading promptly; delayed obedience invites danger. • Rest in prayer, casting every care on Him who carries the lambs. • Remain with the flock—fellowship strengthens trust and offers protection. • Look forward to the final pasture—Revelation 7:17 promises the Lamb will shepherd us to springs of living water. Strength for the Journey The same God who guarded Jacob through deserts, family conflict, and famine walks beside every believer today. His character as Shepherd has never changed, His promises stand, and His care is personal. Trust grows as we recall His past guidance, cling to His present presence, and rejoice in His future deliverance. |
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