The Chief Shepherd

 And they (his flock) will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.

Micah 5:4-5 

Ladies, I am so glad for the sun and the rain and the pruning and fertilizing of the word of God under the shepherding of the Lord and the Spirit. Living securely now is a given for those who believe. As Jesus prayed in John 17:3, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” We are truly blessed. 

While Micah is embedding a sign of hope for abandoned Israel (5:3) in these verses, we quickly grasp that living securely in the future is a certainty for those of faith. Peter calls Jesus the Chief Shepherd: And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away (1 Peter 5:4). In the future, when He returns, his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. Everyone will see Him for who He is. 

And he will be their peace. I love this, for what do we need more than peace in the craziness of today? Do not worry, said Jesus: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). In our faith we find this peace: Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). 

So why wouldn’t everyone want the peace we have? And how will they find it? The glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory, has been given to you (Colossians 1:27). There is no way you want to keep that a secret. 

You all have a story to tell, a way to live that will reveal Jesus to others. I have a necklace full of charms that tell my history with the Lord. I would encourage you to write your story down and be ready to share it. And it is good to remember that whatever you do is an open book to those watching. May God be pleased to reveal His Son in (you) (Galatians 1:15).

Nancy P

All Scripture quotations are from the NIV 1973,1978,1984, unless otherwise noted.