Day 19—Wednesday, March 11

Micah 5:4-5

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. They will dwell secure, because he will surely become great throughout the earth; he will become one of peace. When Assyria invades our land and treads down our fortresses, then we will raise up against him seven shepherds and eight human princes.

I love and appreciate prophecies from the Old Testament and the revelation of those prophecies brought forward in the New Testament and today. For me, prophecies revealed provide comfort and evidence of God’s faithfulness. It was the prophet Micah who foretold of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). The Christ who would then stand and shepherd his flock; a shepherd-king who reigns not with worldly power, but with the strength of the Lord to serve, guide and protect people. These verses, written centuries before Christ’s birth, offer a profound picture of the Messiah. He is not a distant king, but a shepherd who stands, actively feeding and protecting his flock; a shepherd-king of humility, kindness, gentleness, and integrity. He rules not just as a king, but with the tender care of a shepherd, empowered by God's strength and divine presence. Micah’s prophecy further connects to Christ’s suffering and ultimate victory; encouraging us to trust in the shepherd's sacrifice and power.

During the season of Lent, Micah 5:4 encourages us to rely on Christ’s strength rather than our own, finding peace through trusting His leadership. It contrasts worldly, failing leadership with the enduring, humble, and powerful reign of Christ. The influence of this shepherd grows in greatness to the ends of the earth, representing a universal kingdom rather than a local, nationalistic rule. For me, these verses provide stability and hope in the midst of chaos; encouraging trust in Christ’s leadership rather than man’s, and an assurance that we can thrive in times of difficulty. In a world of trouble, fear, insecurity, and political turmoil (perhaps represented by the Assyrians), Micah 5:5 promises lasting peace found in Christ.

My image from childhood Bible stories of a shepherd tending his sheep, is in stark contrast to a dictatorship. A shepherd-king embodies love, without condition, to the ends of the earth; a shepherd-king of peace amidst worldly troubles and the promise of eternal peace through His resurrection and ascension. May we hold tight to the image and promise of a shepherd-king.

Lord Jesus, thank you for being my Shepherd. I thank you that you stand in the strength of the Lord to protect and guide me. When I am anxious or fearful, help me to remember that you are my peace as I trust in your goodness and your power to keep me secure. Amen

 

-Paula Derbyshire