January 16, 2010

Today's reading: Genesis 46, 47, 48; Psalm 16, 46, 76, 106, 136; Proverbs 16

Genesis 46:34, "That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians."

There seems to be a trend in our country to want to be like people in Europe. I don't know why. We have seen things popping up in our little grassy spot like roundabouts. Some people call them traffic circles. I call them a pain in the neck. I don't like the fact that we look at the other side of the fence and want to be like _____. The reason I don't like is is because I am guilty of it myself.

This has nothing to do with the people themselves. It is not that I do not like the people of Europe. I love them because God loves them. The fact remains that I do not want to be like them. My goal is to be like Jesus. This is easily said; but, not so easily done.

It is hard for me to believe that there are people that do not like me. In fact there are people that down right hate me. I should get used to it and get over it. I don't know why. So many people over the years have reassured me that I am a nice guy. I guess those don't know me very well. To some people, my name brings a picture that is unpleasant or even hurtful and I don't like this.

My attention today was drawn to the phrase, "for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians." How sad! Shepherds were a valuable group of people. I thought of modern day shepherds. I am speaking of the man who stands, service after service behind a pulpit to proclaim God's Word. Many Pastors today are considered an "abomination" in the eyes of people. America has drifted a long way down the slippery slope of sin.

Many people follow all kinds of other people. I hope that Jesus Christ is your Shepherd. He loves you and gave His life for you as The Great Shepherd. So friend, who is your Shepherd?