But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times . . . 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. And he will be our peace. Micah 5:2, 4–5 (NIV) The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Psalm 23:1 (NLT)
Lord Jesus, Micah’s prophecy of your coming simply adds to the long list of reasons we love and adore you. Today, we’re especially moved to worship you for being our merciful and mighty Shepherd-Savior
Having laid down your life as the Lamb of God, you’ve risen and are now the Standing Shepherd, of Micah’s vision. You never sleep or slumber, because you are always interceding and advocating for us. “Good Shepherd” seems like a profoundly understated title for you, Jesus. Thank you for relentlessly caring, vigilantly protecting, and faithfully providing for us.
Because of your great love for us, we lack nothing we actually need. It’s green pastures and quiet waters to which you are leading us—all for the restoring of our often tired and weary, broken and rebellious souls.
You guide us along paths of righteousness and goodness, truth and grace. And even as that journey involves traversing places marked by decay and death, you are with us, and will never forsake us. We don’t have to be afraid of anything or anyone. When enemies are close by and threatening, you are even closer.
Even in heaven you will be our Shepherd, leading us to springs of living water (Rev. 7:17). Your greatness, Jesus, will reach to the ends of the earth, and we will always live securely, for you are our peace—now and forever. So very Amen we pray with adoration, in your great and gracious name.
