“He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.” Micah 5:4-5
Today we’re looking into Micah’s prophecy saying that out of the small town of Bethlehem, one will come out to be the ruler over Israel and that one will stand and shepherd his (Jesus) flock with the strength of the Lord. Micah also wrote that this “one out of Bethlehem” will make it possible for the people to live securely and with peace.
That “one” is Jesus. Our Savior and our Shepherd.
Today we’re also reading John 10:11-18 because after Jesus began his ministry the last 3 years of his life, he spent time telling Jewish religious leaders that he, himself is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep. (vs.10:11).
Back then, a shepherd’s job is to protect those sheep from thieves, weather or wild animals. Some of the places a shepherd used to protect them was an opening in a cave or an open area surrounded by walls made of stones or branches. The shepherd slept amongst the sheep in them. The built-in or hand-made sheep pens those shepherds used that provided safety and security for the sheep, is also symbolizing Jesus providing safety and security for us thought his Father, God.
Just like it says in Psalm 23:6, we will dwell in the house (or pen) of the Lord forever when we choose to rest in the presence of Jesus, who provides us security while his “greatness reaches to the ends of the earth.” (Micah 5:5)
Isn’t that a priceless gift not only at Christmas time? To have peace in our busy lives, in the crazy (and sometimes scary) world, knowing that our Good Shepherd, from the little town of Bethlehem, who grew up to be our salvation and Savior, protects us, provides for us, and allows us to feel the security we have in a loving relationship with him.
Lord, thank You for the gift of the promises You’ve given us even back in ancient times that You have kept and never broken. Thank you for God, for becoming flesh, as a baby in a virgin’s womb to give us salvation, to protect us and keep us secure when we’re in a relationship with You. Amen
After reading today’s verses, how do they make you feel? Please feel free to make a comment below.
Beth