For the Lamb . . . will be their shepherd. . . . And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. (Rev. 7:17)
Celebrating freedom from hunger, thirst, and physical discomfort is a challenge for most North Americans. Few of us have experienced food shortage, drought, or severe discomfort. Additionally, few of us have ever met a shepherd. “The Lord is my shepherd” (Ps. 23:1) is one of the most familiar phrases in Scripture. So, it might be helpful to imagine what a modern version of a shepherd might be.
The character of God is too incredible for us to fully comprehend, so he gives us clues and stories throughout Scripture to help us catch glimpses, like a reflection in a window. Shepherding was well understood by the writers of the Bible, so God used it to help them understand him. If Scripture were inspired today, what vocation might God use to help us understand him? I wonder about helping professions that regularly care for those who are sick, distraught, lost, in danger, and in need of rescue.
Sit with this passage of Scripture today and consider the trials and challenges you are facing. It may not be hunger or thirst, but it may be worry, anxiety, or loneliness. Then choose a helping profession that resonates with you—a nurse, fire fighter, pastor, teacher, social worker, or veterinarian—and imagine God as the most perfect version of that role. He is bringing you living water to heal your hurts.
Recognize your hurts and invite God to heal them.
Erin Crisp is mom to three teenage boys, wife to a Wesleyan pastor, and vice president at an EdTech company. Erin loves to learn and to create meaningful learning experiences for others through teaching, designing, and consulting.
© 2022 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
