David called his people “sheep.” He was the shepherd. This is one of the early, metaphors likening sheep as people. He was also a warring king. He performed a census, something normal and in the course of His work. There was a constant political flux in the region and conflicts could emerge without warning. The census would give him an accurate idea of the strength of his army and would help in his preparation for attack and defence. However, he was moved by Satan (v1)
His general, Joab, advised against it (v3). But David prevailed (v4). It was an impetuous demand. Do we listen to counsel and discern for the voice of God? God’s judgment came upon the nation. He then realised his foolishness and sin and asked God to take away his iniquity (v8). A plague was sent and 70,000 died. He and the elders humbled themselves as the angel of Lord hovered over Jerusalem with a drawn sword (v16). Though, devastated by the ensuing judgment, he did not blame shift, spin some tales, looked for a scapegoat or made excuses for himself (v17). These are the ways of the world. He interceded for them and asked for the judgment to come upon him and his family and asked God to spare the nation (v17).
He stood in the gap and interceded in the great example shown by Abraham. He interceded for his nephew and family together with the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. He has always cared for his family (Gen 12:5). God is looking for intercessors, “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. (Ezekiel 22:30)” More than standing in the gap, David like Abraham were also shepherds. They pastored people. This heart of a shepherd got them to intercede. These were shepherd intercessors. Can shepherds divorce themselves from intercession? Are shepherds just an intervener, saving the sheep from their troubles?
As we get acquainted with the Bible, we will see shepherds looking after their own needs and not their flock. These were hirelings rather than shepherds. Jeremiah spoke on both sides of the divide (Jer 3:15; 23:1-4; 10:21). It was tumultuous times and only true shepherds stay faithful to their call and ministry. The pseudo ones left their sheep clothing and turned themselves into their true selves – ravenous wolves.
What kind of shepherd and leader are you in your life, family, Church, office and community? How do we react to our mistakes? Time and time again, leadership includes showing genuine care for the people, whether parishioners or colleagues. These terms “pastor/shepherd,” “coach,” “mentor” and “senior” involves taking care of the sheep. Successful leaders care deeply about their sheep/community that work under them. People are increasingly looking for churches/companies that shepherd/care. At these places, they get good leaders and shepherds. Do we see the people under us as sheep too?
To succeed in God/life dare, we do less?
Jeremiah 3:15
15 And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Jeremiah 23:1-4
1 “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord.
2 Therefore thus says the Lord God of Israel against the shepherds who feed My people: “You have scattered My flock, driven them away, and not attended to them. Behold, I will attend to you for the evil of your doings,” says the Lord.
3 “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and bring them back to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.
4 I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,” says the Lord.
Jeremiah 10:21
21 For the shepherds have become dull-hearted,
And have not sought the Lord;
Therefore they shall not prosper,
And all their flocks shall be scattered.
1 Chronicles 21: 16,17
16 Then David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, having in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. So David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces. 17 And David said to God, “Was it not I who commanded the people to be numbered? I am the one who has sinned and done evil indeed; but these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I pray, O Lord my God, be against me and my father’s house, but not against Your people that they should be plagued.”
