Micah 5

Scripture Reading:  Read Micah Chapter 5.  

Christ Jesus, our Enduring Shepherd:

Micah 5:4 – “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.” (NIV)

Throughout the prophets of the Old Testament, you’ll read prophecies that were fulfilled in that prophet’s near future, during the first coming of Christ and the second coming of Christ that has yet to come.  In Micah chapter five, we read of the Messiah who came from the humble town of Bethlehem.  Micah speaks here of Jesus the Messiah as our shepherd. 

The sheep's reliance on the shepherd is absolute.  The shepherd not only leads and provides for the sheep but also anticipates their needs and cares for them. This depiction of the shepherd is an enduring image of Christ in the scriptures. 

Dr. J Vernon McGee outlines the picture of Christ as the Shepherd: “He is the Good Shepherd who will lay down His life for the sheep (Psalm 22); He is the Great Shepherd who keeps His sheep even today (Psalm 23); and He is the Chief Shepherd who is coming in glory (Psalm 24). His entire ministry is set forth under the office of a shepherd.”  (McGee, J. Vernon)

Christ Jesus, as the shepherd, is a source of comfort for us, knowing that He is everything we need.  However, as sheep, it's our responsibility to heed the shepherd's leadership.  We must listen to His voice, seek His guidance, and trust His direction.  

Prayer: Lord, help me look to you for the direction I need and trust in your leadership and care as my shepherd.