THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024 - SHEPHERDS AND LEVITES

 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19 - MESSIAH PART III - SHEEP, SHEPHERDS

Here are the Messiah Scriptures that I’m looking at today:

 Isa 53:6: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have gone every one to his way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all

 Isa 40:11: “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: and he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” 

Malachi 3:2: “But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire,” 

Malachi 3:3: “And he shall purify the Sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.” 

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SHEEP and SHEPHERDS

I know very little about sheep.  Sheep seem like a standard animal in Israel. They seem like very simple, very contented animals.  As long as they have food and water, life is good. Sheep can go on their own where they think the grass might be greener (that is, sheep can go astray).  

Humans are like sheep—we can go our own way, too. Yesterday, I was with a friend who was switching smartphone services. The grass looked greener on the other side—a new phone, better service, and cheaper. But when the details were disclosed, it wasn’t that much more affordable or better. 

Like a sheep, it looks nicer. All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have gone every one to his own way.

In Christianity (and other religions), we also want to follow shepherds that seem better.  Maybe they are on television; they sure look good, and their message is much better than Reverend Smith down the street.  But when I’m sick, Reverend Smith will visit me in the hospital (and, if needed, have my funeral service).   Who will” gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those with young.” 

Who is going to be a good shepherd for me?  And it will be a different good shepherd for me and my needs than my neighbor.

(And, for the historical aspect, shepherd were out in the fields with their flocks.  They were in rain, sun, snow, cold, thunderstorms, and predators. They walked through the field where the sheep urinated and defecated. They probably didn't bathe frequently… we liken shepherds to our pastors, priests, and clergy.)

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Levites.

From Moses' day, the clan of Levites - as determined by being the sons (and grandson) of Levi - was one of Jacob's twelve sons.   The “Shepherds” of that time weren’t those “called” by God.  And some of those shepherds were corrupt.  So, refining gold and other precious metals and separating the pure metal from the dross is referred to here.  We need to get the bad out of our lives, and our pastors may also need to be purified.  

Refining is tricky - the ore is liquified, and the dross (waste products) reaches the top.  The heat is profound.  (Hey - liquid gold is VERY HOT!!!).  And, here, the Levites need to be refined!!!)

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Today’s selection of verses from the Messiah suggests that we (humans) have strayed, and our leaders/pastors have strayed.  We need to keep working and listening to God. 

The phrase “God cleans His fish after He catches them” means that God takes us where we are. We don’t need to be holy to seek God!

LOVE WINS

LOVE TRANSFORMS

Karen Anne White, December 19, 2024