Shepherd-King

TODAY'S SPECIAL: Micah1-4; Psalm 130

TO CHEW ON: "I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob,
I will surely gather the remnant of Israel;
I will put them together like sheep of the fold,
Like a flock in the midst of their pasture;
They shall make a loud noise because of so many people.
The one who breaks open will come up before them;
They will break out,
Pass through the gate,
And go out by it;
And their King will pass before them,
With the Lord at their head." - Micah 2:12,13

In the middle of this pronouncement of woe on evildoers (Micah 2:1-5) and an exposé of lying prophets and wicked rulers (Micah 2:6-11 and 3:1-12) Micah inserts a little bit of comfort.

He talks about a leader who will round up the exiles and lead them back home like a shepherd leads his flock home (Micah 2:12-13). But this is no ordinary shepherd but also a King. The writer of my Bible's study notes on Micah says about this passage:

"This prophecy of the Shepherd-King, the divine deliverer, would have brought joy to Micah's hearers … 'The one who breaks open' is also a messianic title, meaning 'deliverer.' and adding to the comforting assurance of return from exile the hope of one who would be a shepherd-king to all who recognize His caring authority" - Willard S. Elijahson, New Spirit-Filled Life Bible, p. 1206.

Of course we recognize in this metaphor of the shepherd, Jesus, who used it of Himself - John 10:11.

A brief overview of how He shepherds us, helps us appreciate all He is and does for us:

• He leads us to "green pastures" and "still waters" so we have all we need - Psalm 23:1,2.

• He is tender with the young and vulnerable - Isaiah 40:11.

• He gathers and brings back the strays - Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:11.

• He is also our King - Ezekiel 37:24; Micah 2:12, 13 (our focus verse).

• He gives His life for the sheep - John 10:11.

• He will supervise the reward ceremony in heaven where He will also "wipe away every tear" and continue to lead us to "living fountains of water" - 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 7:17.

Jesus, our Shepherd-King—what a rich thought to meditate on. We can thank Him for how He has shepherded us in the past. We can pray for His continued guidance now. And we can look forward to His deliverance, leadership, and reign as our Shepherd-King after our earthly life is done.


PRAYER:
Dear Jesus, thank You for all the ways You have shepherded me, supplying needs, and leading with tenderness. I pray for those in my circle who have strayed from You. Please be the Seeking Shepherd to them. Help me to live within the bounds of Your care throughout life and to eternity. Amen.

PSALM TO PRAY: Psalm 130

The Bible Project VIDEO: Micah (Read Scripture Series)







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Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.