What a beautiful example, full of significance, for all pastors! The first shepherd mentioned in the Bible had as his purpose of heart to care for the sheep in such a way that he could present them to God as a special offering – well cared for, strong, fat, healthy, pleasant, with-out defect or wound something that would be very pleasing to the heart of God to His honour and glory. So, what did Abel do with his sheep? He brought the best and the fat-test as an offering to God! And, beginning with Abel we see that most of the Old Testament sacrifices were sheep and goats. It seems that Abel did not have his animals for meat. As we consider this it is interesting to see that God speaks of eating meat only after the flood. Cain cultivated crops and Abel shepherded sheep and goats. Sometime later they had two sons, Cain and Abel. We remember that Adam and Eve were put out of the garden after they sinned. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof” (Genesis 4:2-4). And in process of time, it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. God tells us in Genesis, “Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. May the Lord bless this little study for our learning, help, direction and blessing for the better care, growth and benefit of the Lord’s sheep and most importantly for the glory and honour of our Saviour and Lord.
There will be many seeking to lead us on dangerous paths.He Leadeth Me in the Paths of Righteousness.New Relationship and Community (34:17-22).Good Shepherd with Special Reference to Ezekiel 34.The Metaphor of the Shepherd in Zechariah 11:4–17.The Historical And Literary Contexts Of Zechariah.The Metaphor of the Shepherd in the Literature of the Hebrew Bible.The Metaphor of the Shepherd in the Literature of the Ancient Near-East.In-Depth Shepherd Imagery In Zechariah Summary.Some important implications for the under-shepherd.Foundations: The Shepherd metaphor in the Old Testament.A Final Challenge and Important Consideration.The Good Shepherd –The Lord Jesus Christ.