Genesis 46:28-34

He sent Judah before him to Joseph, to show the way before him to Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen. Joseph prepared his chariot, and went up to meet Israel, his father, in Goshen. He presented himself to him, and fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while. Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive.”

Joseph said to his brothers, and to his father’s house, “I will go up, and speak with Pharaoh, and will tell him, ‘My brothers, and my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. These men are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.’ It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, ‘What is your occupation?’ that you shall say, ‘Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our fathers:’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.”

One of the most difficult things for me to deal with in this life is the persistent prejudicial attacks against innocent and hard working people. The Bible shows us that almost all of the greatest leaders were shepherds at one point, yet Satan has arranged it such that the occupation is seen as a low thing, even to this day. Jesus took advantage of the situation and called Himself “The Great Shepherd.” Still, people look down on those who herd goats and sheep. Jesus is not at all ashamed to be called a slave. He expects us to be slaves as well. This idea of promoting oneself at the expense of classes of others continues in other areas as well.

Some people look down on farming and agriculture altogether. In fact, I see evidence that some look down on anyone who does any kind of manual labor! This is simply ridiculous. Perhaps it is because they think of themselves as educated. People who think like this must be educated beyond their intelligence. There’s nothing wrong with education, but as King Solomon reminds us, it is only worth something if combined with good old hard work!

Proverbs 10:4 :

He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand,
but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.

It is a shame that, in order to survive, men who give their labor and even their lives for a country have to hide the truth to survive among those who oppress them. This
should not be. Suddenly, the Good Shepherd will return and things will be different.

John 10:11 :

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

Revelation 20:12 :

Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work.