Today’s Devotional Scripture:
“For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins…”
Hebrews 5:1 KJV
The Message for Today (August 8, 2026):
What is a shepherd?
If you read Psalm 23 or similar shepherd passages, you’ll learn the many roles a shepherd has. There are many characteristics of a shepherd, but some stood out to me when I read the passage. I realized a shepherd guides, protects, guards, and provides for the sheep.
Jesus is a shepherd-leader to us, but priests, and anyone in leadership, can be a shepherd, too.
High Priests were specifically selected (”taken from among men”). This was a privilege, for not every priest was given permission to enter the Holy of Holies.
They were “ordained for men” which means they were chosen to be leaders and shepherds over a specific group of people. They were to do what God asked of them.
If you ask a modern day pastor or priest, they’ll probably tell you their job is more than the service on Sunday. They take calls from parishioners, do home or hospital visits, have coffee or dinner with other members, lead Bible Studies, and confer with other leaders. Their job is almost 24/7, especially if there is an emergency at the church. It isn’t easy.
Many pastors and priests suffer from burnout and some leave the profession entirely because of drama. Sometimes they become disillusioned because they lose sight of what matters most. In this passage, the author refers to the priest offering sacrifices and gifts. In the modern day context, the priest is sacrificing their time and income to do God’s work.
Every year, there is a pastor’s appreciation week. Whatever denomination you may be, remember to thank the shepherd leaders in your life. Write them a card. Provide them dinner. Compliment more than complain. Honor the men and women God has placed as leaders over you. You never know–your kind word may be all that’s needed to encourage them to keep going.
Closing Devotional Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to recognize and honor the needs of the shepherds in my life. Let me find ways to thank them for serving you. Intercede and encourage them with your Spirit. In Your Son’s Name, Amen.
