Being a pastor, I normally take note of references in the Bible that refer to shepherds. Pastor means shepherd. So it’s not surprising when I came to verse 72 of Psalm 78 that I stopped for a moment to reflect.
Listen to what it says, “David shepherded them with integrity of heart. With skillful hands he led them.”
Sometimes it’s good to look at a number of different translations to get the real message of what is being said. The Jerusalem Bible translates this verse: “He did this with unselfish care and led them with a sensitive hand.” I like that. In the Good News Bible it talks about leading with devotion and skill. In the Amplified version it reads, “So David was their shepherd with an upright heart and guided them by the discernment and skillfulness which controlled his hands.” And the Living Bible says, with “a true heart and skillful hands”.
All of this is involved in having integrity of heart. I want to be the kind of man that serves God and others in such a way that I unselfishly care for others - exhibit devotion to others. I want to serve with an upright heart. I want to be true in heart. I want my concerns to not be self centered, but rather, in an altruistic way minister to others. I want my hands to respond to this kind of heart’s desire as I reach out to lend a helping hand.
Could I ask you to pray for me to serve with integrity and skill. Pray for your pastor, your shepherd. Pray for God’s servants throughout the world that they would work with integrity of heart and skillful hands.
