David The Shepherd, Continued

Our mission today is to explore and embrace the other two landmarks which reveal to us open, life-learning sites of David as a shepherd.

The Second Landmark

At a time in Israel’s history, when King Saul reigned, the Philistine giant named Goliath terrorized, David’s people, the Israelites. This is what he bellowed at Israel, children of God. I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. 1 Samuel 17: 10b – 11. David’s brothers were there with King Saul on the battle ground and David, though he would go up to the area where Saul was, where the Israelites were camped, he never once forgot or neglected his father’s sheep. We are told this in 1 Samuel 17:15b. David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. Though they were but few sheep in the desert, David took his work seriously. He never neglected his father’s sheep.

Jesse, knowing the needs of his enlisted sons, and wanting some assurance of their safety, sent food supplies with David to take to them on the battle ground. Even then, David did not neglect the sheep or leave them unattended.

Pause! With deepest admiration and praises to David, look at his visible love, dedication and care of his father’s sheep. He did not go on that long mission without making adequate preparation and provision for his father’s sheep. Early in the morning David left the flock with a shepherd, loaded up and set out, as Jesse had directed. 1 Samuel 17: 20a NIV.  Note clearly that David never left the sheep with an hireling, but with another shepherd like himself.

It is at this landmark that we look and see that Jesus our Shepherd never leaves us shepherd-less. He has another trusted Shepherd, the Paraclete, One just like Himself, with whom He can comfortably leave His sheep, while He goes to prepare a place for them.

Do you at times believe that Jesus has neglected our Father’s sheep? Do you sometimes think that He has forgotten you in your desert place? When these human thoughts come to overshadow and overpower you, remember this landmark. Know that Jesus our Shepherd has entrusted the Holy Spirit to you and you to Him, until He returns.

The Third Landmark

David sees the fear of all the Israelite soldiers as they are mortally afraid of Goliath. He tells King Saul that he will fight that uncircumcised Philistine. When the king refuses to accept his offer, David lays before the king his curriculum vitae, as it were. It all has to do with his victories as a fighting shepherd. This is all documented in 1 Samuel 17: 34 – 35. 

• I have been keeping my father’s sheep, since I was able to be given them to tend.

• I go after the lion, bear or any sheep-stealer who comes and takes, even one of the flock.  

• I go after my father’s sheep and fight the enemy.             

• I strike that enemy and beat it until it releases my father’s sheep.

• I ensure that the sheep is safe, no longer held by the enemy.

• I am not afraid that the sheep-stealer, in all its defeated anger and rage, turns on me.

• I fight to the death, and kill the sheep-stealer.

• I ensure that that thief is never again able to steal my father’s sheep or attack me anymore.

• I am able to save my father’s sheep from the valley of death, as it lies helpless in the mouth of death, the enemy.

It is at this landmark that we look and see that Jesus, our Shepherd is not going to let any sheep-stealer, or any enemy, snatch His sheep and He not go after that one. Do you hear the joy and satisfaction in David’s voice as he tells Saul of his irreversible victories over the enemies? When you have been snatched by some wolf and you pass through that valley, as you feel the squeeze of his jaws upon you, remember this landmark. You will not only be rescued, but the enemy will be totally defeated.  

Will you join me in these faith-fattening, trust-toughening and hope-harnessing richness? I look at David’s boldness to declare the kind of shepherd he was to his father’s sheep, and how he never made his father ashamed or sorry that he ever entrusted his sheep to his son. I know that I am the Lord’s sheep and I am more than comforted, reassured, renewed and rejuvenated, in body, mind and spirit with every word offered to me during this time of land-marking David as shepherd. O how I have been given fresh, new, loving eyes to see my Shepherd in tremendous life-reviving sight. Is this not for you too?

He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young. Isaiah 40: 11