Study
passage Micah
5:2-9 (See Monday devotional)
- God’s
leader would have impressive credentials. (Micah 5:2-3)
- 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
