Looking For A Leader Part III

Study passage Micah 5:2-9 (See Monday devotional)

1. God’s leader would have impressive credentials. (Micah 5:2-3)

2.  God’s leader would have a shepherd’s leadership style. (Micah 5:4)
And He will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they will remain, because at that time He will be great to the ends of the earth.

Micah used the figure of a shepherd to describe the new leader’s style of leading.  In Micah’s day people lived in a pastoral setting. They knew well the role and responsibility of the shepherd.  But even more, they knew the heart of a shepherd for his flock.  Such a heart was far different than a selfish king or lord over them.  They rejoiced to hear of a Shepherd who would lead them. 

What did a shepherd in ancient Israel do for his flock?  A shepherd literally lived with and for his flock.  He gave guidance, offered protection, and provided for their needs.  No greater picture can be shared than that of The 23rd Psalm: 

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalms 23:1-6)

God’s new leader, the Messiah, would perform the role of a true shepherd.  He would protect and defend, feed and nourish, and guide and direct his people.  Israel’s shepherd would do all three roles in an extraordinary way, for he would do them in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD His God.  This one who comes will not be dependent on any other except the Lord God.  All that He does will be through the power of Yahweh, His God and Father.

The people will trust the leadership of the shepherd.  And they will remain, because at that time He will be great to the ends of the earth.  The new ruler’s power would provide security and stability for Israel.  This shepherd would be known and feared to the ends of the earth.  The original promise to David was that under his descendants Israel would never again be oppressed by wicked people. This ideal was not realized in Old Testament times. Under Messiah’s powerful reign, however, the people of God would enjoy perfect security.  This universal sovereignty is also the subject of other personal messianic prophecies.

We who have received the promised one can learn much from the prophet Micah.  While the reign of Christ is not yet complete on this earth, we have received a great portion of His power.  The Lord is our shepherd and has performed as promised.  We are protected and defended, fed and nourished each day and led by His Word. 

Scripture to Claim:

I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. (John 10:11)