While reading the Bible today, I came across a verse that I had read before. However, today the verse had new meaning to me. Genesis 29:9 says, “While he [Jacob] was still talking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherd”. I wondered if it were unusual for women to be shepherds in ancient times. I soon learned that it was common for women, before they were married, to be shepherds for their father’s flocks.
So, when Jesus said in John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The Good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”, the shepherd illustration would have instantly connected with woman as well as men. The Bible has been erroneously used to subjugate woman for years. However, a deeper understanding proves, yet again, that Jesus may have started the woman’s lib movement in the 1st century. For further proof, read my previous blog entitled “Paul Liked Women, but Jesus was a Ladies’ Man”.
I’m ending all my posts with an invitation to accept Jesus. If you would like to accept Jesus, simply pray the following prayer or one like it: “Dear Lord, I’m a sinner. I acknowledge that You sent Your son, Jesus, to die for my sins. I humbly accept Your son, Jesus, and I now further acknowledge that I am forgiven of my past sins, my present sins, and my future sins.” If you prayed that simple prayer, you are saved. Now, you need to follow Jesus. Start reading your Bible. I would suggest starting with Matthew, reading all of the New Testament, then reading the Old Testament. Also, find a good church. Christianity was never meant to be done alone. You need to be in community with other believers.