The Detestable Calling of the Shepherd

Being a shepherd is not a flashy job. It wasn't the prestigious occupational choice of ancient times. In fact, Genesis 46:34, states:

"...All shepherds are detestable to the Egyptians."

A detestable life and occupation isn't exactly what most are looking for. Yet with this biblical backdrop Jesus picks the metaphor as shepherd to describe himself and to describe the calling of His undershepherd's who follow Him. God consistently shows Himself as shepherd throughout biblical history through the patriarch's, prophets, and to His people, and eventually as Jesus God incarnate gathering, guiding, protecting, scattering, slaying, carrying, calling, feeding, driving, seeking, and saving His sheep.

This is what the great Shepherd does and what His under-shepherds are to do. It detestable and foolish in the sight of the world and wisdom and beauty in the sight of God.

"On some high moor, across which at night hyenas howl, when you meet him, sleepless, far-sighted, weather-beaten, armed, leaning on his staff, and looking out over his scattered sheep, every one on his heart, you understand why the shepherd of Judea sprang to the front in his people's history; why they gave his name to their king, and made him the symbol of Providence; why Christ took him as the type of self-sacrifice." (p. 57., G. A. Smith quoted by Timothy S. Laniak)