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Jeremiah 23:3-6
“I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,” declares the Lord. “The days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
and do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved
and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called:
The Lord Our Righteous Savior.
New International Version (NIV)
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What is your favorite image of a leader? Could it be a CEO? Perhaps a politician? Generally, a General? Truthfully, a teacher? Think about the greatest leader you have ever known.
Strangely, God chose shepherds! Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and David were all shepherds. Jeremiah looked at the leaders in his day and saw poor shepherds. The kings were unjust robbers who exploited and brutalized the resident aliens, the fatherless, and the widows, shedding innocent blood (22:3). “Woe to the shepherds wo destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture!” said the Lord (23:1).
God’s promised provision for his people was to be their best Shepherd ever. He would raise up a shepherd King to bring justice and security to his people. What is this Shepherd’s name? The Lord is Our Righteousness.
Jesus, who grew up in a carpenter shop, boldly promised, “I am the good shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.” Our Shepherd would rather die than live without us. So he did. Now we can live life with our Shepherd, trusting him to provide all of our needs and to guide us along the right paths. He feeds us and He leads us. Let’s follow the greatest Leader of all.
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Pray with me:
Savior, like a Shepherd lead us, much we need thy tender care. Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus, you have loved us, love us still, until we all do your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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| This year we focus our Every Day with Jesus readings on Jesus’ story. With references to Tallowood's Read Through the Bible in 2018 daily reading plan, let's focus our undivided attention on Jesus and follow where he lead. He will not fail. Neither will we!
Joyfully,
Duane
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