Day 2
December 12

Many early shepherds are important figures in the Bible, but only one - David - became a king. Many generations later, Jesus would be born through the line of King David, the former shepherd.

As typical of the youngest son, David was the shepherd who cared for his father’s sheep. In his early teens, David had been anointed by the prophet Samuel as the future king of Israel, but it would be many years of caring for sheep before he ascended the throne.

David’s gift of music developed while playing his harp during long days and nights in the fields. As king, his love for music continued, and he wrote over 70 psalms (songs), including one of the most famous, Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23

Consider

• Reread Psalm 23. How has the Lord been your shepherd? Pause at each stanza to thank Jesus for how he has shepherded and cared for you.