Ruled by a Merciful Shepherd

There are times when an Old Testament verse is quoted in the New Testament. When this happens the Greek word in the New Testament often brings out a new element of truth.

We find this fact in Matthew 2:6 where we find a statement written in Micah 5:2 . This difference we cannot find in the King James Version of the Bible. But the Greek word used by Matthew does enrich what Micah wrote. In Matthew 2:6 we find the chief priests and scribes stating that out of Judah "shall come a Governor, that shall rule the people of Israel." However, the word "rule," which we find here, and which appears also in Micah 5:2 , although it presents the truth literally, means "to shepherd." It means, thus, to rule as a shepherd rules the sheep of his flock. Does not Jesus Himself in John 10:14 say, "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine"? A shepherd loves his sheep and seeks to protect them from all the wolves that would like to kill them. And Christ, as our shepherd, protects the seed of the woman from the attacks of the seed of the serpent. A ruler can be cruel. A shepherd tenderly cares for his sheep, Jesus even laying down His life for His sheep.

Here we have a blessed truth concerning Jesus and His birth, which we should appreciate and hold on to tightly when we celebrate His birth, but also every day of our lives. His birthday is past, but the truth concerning Him is everlasting.

We have a shepherd Who willingly laid down His life to give us an everlasting and wonderful life with God in the new Jerusalem. Let us not set aside our appreciation of His coming in our flesh. Let us not set aside the truth that we have such a wonderful Savior, and think of Him only occasionally. What men call Christmas is past; but let us not set aside the truth of having such a merciful shepherd Who came to save us and bless us.

Read: John 10

Daily Meditations on the Heidelberg Catechism

Through the Bible in One Year
Read today:
Zechariah 14:1-21 
Revelation 20:1-15 
Psalm 148:1-14 
Proverbs 31:8-9 
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Quote for Reflection:

"… Man loves sin, but he dreads hell. And so he makes an attempt to escape the one while continuing in the other." - Herman Hoeksema