A Ruler Who Will Shepherd My People Israel

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”  Matthew 2:1-6

Bethlehem, a small village on the southern outskirts of Jerusalem, Hebrew scholars in Jesus’ day clearly expected Bethlehem to be the birthplace of the Messiah. Herod the Great, the first of several important rulers from the Herodian dynasty who are named in Scripture was a direct descendant of the Edomites, an offspring of Esau. Herod was ruthless and cunning, he was enamored with opulence and grand building projects that are part of the ruins visited by tourists in Israel today. While the Magi came from a great distance to pay homage to their King, this thought troubled Herod as well as all of Jerusalem. Similiarly  today, Many Christians want stop and pay homage and rejoice in their Savior Christ, the Lord, but the world is still troubled by the fact that Christmas is about Christ’s birth, and salvation to our world. The political correct world wants nothing to do with Jesus Christ, nor be reminded of Him in any Christmas activity.

Chief priests—These were temple hierarchy authorities on Jewish law, sometimes called “lawyers” (Luke 10:25). They were professional scholars whose specialty was explaining the application of the law, they knew exactly where the Messiah would be born, but lacked the faith to believe to accompany the Magi in their search for Jesus. There are people today, who say they are believers, yet lack the faith, evidence if you will of counting the cost to follow after Christ. Jesus said, “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor (John 12:26), why would anyone who follows after Christ ever be ashamed of glorifying His name not just during the Christmas season, but also all year long? “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5)

A Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel—This ancient prophecy from Micah 5:2 was written in the eighth century B.C. The original prophecy, not quoted in full by Matthew, declared the deity of Israel’s Messiah: “Out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” This portion from Matthew however, seems to be a reference to God’s words to David when Israel’s kingdom was originally established: Also, in time past, when Saul was King over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the Lord said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.’ (2 Samuel 5:2) The Greek word for “ruler” evokes the image of strong, even stern, leadership. While “Shepherd” emphasizes tender loving care, where Christ’s rule involves both. Behold, the Lord God shall come with a strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him; Behold, His reward is with Him, And His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a Shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young  (Isaiah 40:10-11).

Beloved friend, The first advent of Christ, born in a manger, in the small town of Bethlehem, etc. All these portray the humble character of our Savior of the world. He is our One true God, and Shepherd of His sheep, the church, the body of Christ. He will come again, this time as a conqueroring King. Let us rejoice over His birth, and enjoy all the many blessings that Christmas brings, and let not this world we live in take away it’s significant and special meaning behind it. That picture of God’s omnipotence. The same arm that powerfully promises judgment to this world’s oppressors of His truth and plan of salvation, tenderly feeds and leads His flock.

May the Lord bless your walk!

Author: rontrujillo

Married 37 years We have six children. All of whom are adult. Three are married one of them blessed us with three beautiful grandchildren. Retired Firefighter @ Boeing Aircraft 37 years (Formally McDonnell Douglas) Born Again Summer of 1981 View all posts by rontrujillo