A Future Peace
Nothing is more peaceful than a leader who shepherds his people during a time free from conflict or war, maintaining peace and harmony for the citizens. Thinking back just a few years ago to the senseless riots and unrest in a nearby city, I’m reminded of the fear community members suffered. Tensions ran high, and there was no peace. It was a fearful time.
The prophet Micah prophesied to the exiled Israelites when there was fear and insecurity. Far from their beloved homeland, the Jewish people were looking hopefully for a future of peace. Micah reminded the people that God had not forgotten His promise of a future Eternal King. “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity.” Micah 5:2. To the exiles, this promised reminder brought hope to their fearful hearts.
This prophesied Leader would come out of the town of Bethlehem, known as the city of the House of Bread, and become known as the Bread of Life. Messiah would shepherd His people, leading them into green pastures by quiet streams. Much like a shepherd caring for his flock of sheep, the Messiah would one day shepherd His people, allowing them to live securely in His Kingdom. Messiah would bring peace with His righteous reign over all.
The Messiah, a descendant of King David, who began his career as a shepherd. The young David did all he could to protect his sheep. David’s time as a shepherd brings us one of the most beloved poems from Psalm 23, which offers hope and peace to the reader. It is in these quietly spoken words that we can find the same peace today from our Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
So, while we live in a time of unrest, fear, and strife, we can, like the exiled Israelites, place our hope in King Jesus to return to rescue His people, taking us to a new heaven and new earth as He reigns in perfect peace for all eternity. I pray that the Shalom, peace of God, would fill your hearts now more than ever as we quickly see the day approaching of our returning King.
#Advent2023 #inthesequietmoments #seasonswithmysavior
