Time to water the sheep - Taimi e faainu ai mamoe

Scripture Focus: Kenese 29:1-10

Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the children of the east. He looked, and behold, a well in the field, and, behold, three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks. The stone on the well’s mouth was large. There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again on the well’s mouth in its place. Jacob said to them, “My relatives, where are you from?” They said, “We are from Haran.” He said to them, “Do you know Laban, the son of Nahor?” They said, “We know him.” He said to them, “Is it well with him?” They said, “It is well. See, Rachel, his daughter, is coming with the sheep.” He said, “Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them.” They said, “We can’t, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well’s mouth. Then we water the sheep.” While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she kept them. When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother, Jacob went near, and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother.
- Genesis 29:1-10 (WEB)

Study:

This passage depicts a scene of community and shared responsibility in caring for livestock. Jacob arrives at a well where shepherds are gathering to water their flocks. The well is crucial – it’s the source of life for the sheep. However, accessing this life-giving water requires a collective effort: the shepherds wait until all the flocks are present so they can roll away the large stone covering the well. Jacob, observing their practice, offers a simple suggestion: water the sheep and then continue to feed them. The shepherds explain the reason for their delay, demonstrating a communal approach to their work. The narrative then introduces Rachel, who is herself a shepherdess. Jacob immediately takes initiative, rolling the stone and watering the sheep, an act that foreshadows his future relationships and responsibilities. This story highlights the importance of provision, community, and taking initiative, even when it requires personal effort.

Application:

As believers, we are called to be ‘shepherds’ in various capacities – caring for our families, our communities, and the flock of God. Just like the shepherds in this passage, our efforts are often dependent on and intertwined with others. Sometimes, ‘rolling away the stone’ – overcoming obstacles – requires a collective effort. Jacob’s initiative reminds us to be proactive in meeting the needs of others and to seize opportunities to demonstrate love and service. The well represents spiritual nourishment. We must ensure we are providing access to this nourishment, through prayer, study, fellowship and outreach. We also, like Rachel, may find ourselves called to care for God’s flock in ways we don’t expect.

Reflection Questions:

• In what areas of your life can you take the initiative to ‘roll away the stone’ for others?
• How does this passage illustrate the importance of community and shared responsibility?
• What ‘wells’ – sources of life – are you actively protecting and providing access to?
• Are there obstacles preventing you from providing spiritual nourishment to others?
• How can you better emulate Jacob’s proactive care in your daily life?

Prayer:

Loving Shepherd, thank you for providing for our needs, both physical and spiritual. Help us to be proactive in caring for others, to work together in community, and to remove obstacles that prevent your flock from receiving nourishment. Give us the courage to take initiative and the compassion to serve with a willing heart. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Tags:Genesis, Sheep, Shepherds, Water, Community, Provision, Initiative, Service, Laban, Rachel, Jacob, Biblical Study, Pastoral Care, Faith, Spiritual Nourishment