Moses had quite a journey in his life. Rescued from death as a baby, brought up in Pharaoh's palace until he was 40, then as a fugitive he tended his father-in-law, Jethro's sheep for the next 40 years. During this time the LORD worked on him, making him a leader of men.
One of the things God looked for in those who would lead His people is that they had a heart of a shepherd.
Moses had one.
David did as well. Psalm 78.70-72
Jesus said, "I am the Good Shepherd." John 10.11
All the leaders of Christ's Church are to have Shepherd's hearts I Peter 5.1-4
After the leading of the nation for 40 years, 40 long years across the wilderness, Moses was not permitted to enter into the Promised Land because of a sin (vs. 13-14) that he and Aaron had committed.
Amazingly Moses didn't offer any rebuttal of protest to God's decision. After being given the news his concern went immediately to Israel and their need for a man to shepherd them.
We get a rare look into the heart of a true shepherd here in vs.15-17 If he can't go in his heart is there for those who are going into the Promised Land. What makes a shepherd's heart?
1. Submission to the will of God Whatever It Is. Hebrews 5.7
Moses accepted God's Will. Before the LORD, a man with a shepherd's heart has a deep desire to please His Master and His God.
Of course Christ is our supreme example.
John 10.11, 14-15 The good shepherd lays down His Life for the sheep. He rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, knowing that on Friday He would be crucified. He knew it was God's will. He is the Master of love.
His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane Luke 22.42 "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will but Yours be done."
We see this in Jesus' death, David's desire to build the temple and Moses entering the land.
Interesting also, isn't it how God's rewards in these lives were wonderful after they submitted to the will of their Father in Heaven?
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12.2
Part of a Shepherd's Heart is not only submission to the will of God but because the shepherd is a reflection of God Himself there is:
2. A Deep Interest In and Love For the People of God. Ezekiel 34.7-16
Moses was concerned that the nation would be sheep without a shepherd. He had the heart of Christ Jesus here. Matthew 9.36 When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Moses had this concern.
Sheep without a shepherd are helpless and hopeless- all their basic needs go unmet and they eventually die one way or the other. A true shepherd has a heart of concern for their well being. He carries them on His heart. Remember the breastplate of the High Priest?
Moses' greatest concern was for the people of God and not Himself.
Isaiah speaking about the ministry of Jesus writes:
40.11 He tends His Flock like a Shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His Arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those who have young.
Psalm 80.1 Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, You Who lead Joseph like a flock.
The LORD God is our Shepherd. David praised Him for many wonderful things in Psalm 23.
It is the heart of God being described in this Psalm and is this verse in Isaiah. He is carrying you close to His Heart this morning.
More than any other domesticated animal, sheep and their relationship with the shepherd is vital for their well being.
3. Christlikeness is seen in the true Shepherds of God's Flock. Philippians 1.7
I Peter 5.1-4 Jesus is the Chief Shepherd
willing to serve- eager to serve
not greedy for money
not lording it over those entrusted to you
being examples tot he flock
Hebrews 13.20-21
Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us
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