Lessons from Israel: Divine Protection

Israel.

I was in Israel on a mission trip, and we had ridden out into a desert area to see some sights there. Seeing the hills and desert was amazing, knowing that Jesus had walked that land. 

Looking out into one of the large open areas, I saw him. He was sitting on the ground, his head bent down and covered with a cloak to protect him from the sun. It was hot that day, and no vegetation protected him. He was probably parched from being out in the field doing his job. 

He was a shepherd. 

He wasn’t watching over sheep or goats; this Shepherd was watching over a herd of camels wandering around the open field nearby. His job was to ensure they didn’t wander off and stayed safe from predators. Camels are typically used by the Bedouin people for transportation and even for meat. They are expensive and prized resources to those who own them.

I was told that even though his head was down, and he appeared to be sleeping, this Shepherd was alert. He could spring to the aid of the camels at a moment’s notice to protect and defend his herd because they are valuable, and his primary focus was their care.

They are a precious commodity.

It made me think. 

That’s what we are to God—a precious commodity. 

Sometimes it appears that He’s not there, maybe distracted by the problems of the world or just tired of dealing with the constant issues here on earth. But he’s not. He’s alert, and nothing gets by him. He stays with us, and we are watched over because we are valuable to Him. 

Just like a Shepherd who endures great hardship for the herd He cares for, God is a watchful caretaker devoted to safeguarding what is precious to him.