What would it be like to live the life of a shepherd 3,000 years ago in Bethlehem, tending the flocks from pen to pasture?

An apparent contradiction exists between I Chronicles 21:1 stating that Satan moved David to take the census while I Samuel 21:1 says that God did.

We need to be preparing ourselves for whatever God has prepared us to do in His Kingdom, preparing for an office, but more importantly preparing in character.

We may not be literal shepherds like King David, but we can still have a heart like God's and develop those qualities of leadership that God can use.

Solomon was blessed in having David as his father and example of leadership. So when Solomon writes about 'the king,' he writes about a subject he knows well.

Both David and his descendant, Jesus Christ, demonstrated their dedication in protecting the sheep, even at great personal risk, unlike hirelings, then and now.

The shepherd has a critical role in providing conditions for sheep to rest, including freedom from fear, pests, hunger, and social friction within the flock.

After several catastrophes, Jehoshaphat finally became convinced that any decision without God in the picture is patently stupid.

Christ shows His compassion and concern for those who have become distracted and fallen into error, providing an example to us to show mercy to others.

The contains a detailed record of both good and bad leaders, and it provides a repetitive principle that 'as go the leadership, so goes the nation.'

We qualify to lead by internalizing the covenants, not only believing God, but doing what He says, realizing that the covenants are not complicated.

Though David certainly broke all of God's Ten Commandments, he also repented continually, cognizant of the fear of losing God's Holy Spirit.

Historically and spiritually speaking, the beginning of things set the stage for what comes after.

In taking undue attention off the self, sacrifice (as an act and as a way of life) creates peace, prosperity, cooperation, and most of all, character.

God puts everyone in the Body as He sees fit. We should be thankful for the role God is preparing us for rather than try to leapfrog to a higher position like Helel.