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Psalm 78: Part 3: Psalms for Shepherds

An audible devotional on Psalms 78: Part 3

September 3, 2022 • Holly Culhane, Psalms for Shepherds • Psalm 78

We're finishing our time in Psalm 78 today, and with verses 67 through 72 before us, we see a consequence of the earlier rebellious behavior of the tribe of Benjamin. Because of that behavior, God removed the Ark of the Covenant — remember, that’s HIS presence — from Shiloh, in the tribe of Ephraim, who were Joseph’s descendants. Of course, although the Ark left Shiloh, God did not leave the Israelites.

67 He rejected the tent of Joseph;
he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim,
68 but he chose the tribe of Judah,
Mount Zion, which he loves.
69 He built his sanctuary like the high heavens,
like the earth, which he has founded forever.
70 He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheepfolds;
71 from following the nursing ewes he brought him
to shepherd Jacob his people,
Israel his inheritance.
72 With upright heart he shepherded them
and guided them with his skillful hand.
These 57 verses from Psalm 78 are indeed a Jewish history lesson. BUT they are not for the Jewish people alone, they are also for us!

Of course, as an advocate of shepherd leadership, I love this passage!

Kings were called “shepherds” in biblical times, and aptly so because God’s chosen people were the sheep of His pasture and because the responsibilities of a King included doing exactly what a shepherd does for his or her sheep: PROVIDING what they need, PROTECTING them from their enemies, and being PRESENT for those they lead — normally, even in battle.

Whether shepherding the people of Israel, a family, a business, a non-profit, or a ministry or church, integrity and skill need each other. No amount of ability can offset a sinful heart, and no amount of devotion to God can overcome a lack of ability.

We need both, fellow under-shepherd, a true heart AND skillful hands.

May you live deeply into your calling this week.