I think it’s possible that one of the reasons God selected the time and place for Jesus to be born was because it was a time of shepherds. Everyone alive then knew exactly what shepherds were, the kind of lives they led, the dangers they faced, the tasks involved in their jobs. Most probably knew a shepherd or two personally.

So shepherds were a very relatable and simple illustration for the way God cares for His people. The metaphor of God as shepherd is well-used in the Bible.

In modern times, much of that relatability is lost. While there are still shepherds, it’s not commonplace.

When thinking about more modern occupations that might apply, I come up short.

Garbage collector? They do care for some very basic needs. They are very humble. But I don’t have a personal relationship with my garbage collector.

School teacher? There is a relationship, hopefully a caring one. And the teacher does look after a large group, but only groups of children, and the care doesn’t extend to nights, weekends, and summers.

Maybe some kind of local politician? Still the modern metaphor falls short.

Thankfully we have historical records to help us understand the life of a shepherd, so we can see the points that God was making by describing Himself in such a way.

A shepherd’s job was 24/7. He knew all of his sheep well. He knew when they were sick, injured, pregnant, hungry, and thirsty. He met their daily, mundane needs. Nothing in the care of his sheep was beneath him. He protected them from themselves as well as outside dangers. And the sheep knew him too. They recognized his voice and trusted him enough to follow.

“He protects his flock like a shepherd; he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them in the fold of his garment. He gently leads those that are nursing.” (Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭11,‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

It’s astonishing that God describes Himself as this humble caretaker. In the same chapter as the verse above, Isaiah describes God as “the everlasting God” and “Creator of the whole earth.” He says God has “measured the waters in the hollows of His hand” and “brings out the stars by number.” He proclaims that God’s power, strength, and understanding are limitless.

And yet God tends to my daily needs. He cares about everything I do and everywhere I go. Nothing about my life is too small to capture God’s attention. This Almighty Majestic God of the Universe wants to be your humble shepherd. Will you let Him?

Dear God, thank you for caring about me and my life. I can’t really wrap my head around it. You are God. You understand the vastness of space and see the bottom of the sea. You created everything and will still be here when it is gone. Why you care about me I will never understand, but I am so very grateful that you do!