DCLM Higher Everyday 16 March 2024 — She Was Raised A Shepherd
Topic: She Was Raised A Shepherd
Text: Genesis 29:1-12
1Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into the land of the people of the east.
3And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the well’s mouth in his place.
4And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, whence be ye? And they said, Of Haran are we.
5And he said unto them, Know ye Laban the son of Nahor? And they said, We know him.
6And he said unto them, Is he well? And they said, He is well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.
7And he said, Lo, it is yet high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye the sheep, and go and feed them.
8And they said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and till they roll the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.
9And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep: for she kept them.
10And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.
11And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.
12And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son: and she ran and told her father.
Key Verse: “And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep: for she kept them” (Genesis 29:9).
Message
Family ethics, skills and professions were of old time identity marks of clans. Industries like Coca-Cola have trended several decades as a family product and trademark. Parents train their children to take over hospitals, schools, farms because they have prospered by them. Do you show interest in your parents’ business, skill and professions? What will happen to the structures, plants and research records of your family? On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us review Rachel her and career.
Rachel was peculiarly in a trade common then to the male gender. She was responsible for feeding, watering and taking care of her father’s flock as a happy professional. Gender is no longer a barrier to accessing most professions today, be it in science, technology, engineering, medicine, or space travels and exploration. Rachel’s beauty did not lure her into laziness and immoral beggarly lifestyle found in some ladies today.
Therefore if she could handle herds, both genders must rise up to the challenge to labour in whatever their hands find to do. You can also serve in any department in the Church ministry. God has given you talents and skills.
Quote: Gender is no longer a barrier
Challenge: Do not abandon your family’s valuable gifts.
Prayer for today: Holy Father guide me into the right occupation in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
