Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we begin our Christmas series, Emmanuel, where we're reflecting on the promises regarding God coming to us in Jesus. At present, I'm only posting on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional as we continue our Christmas series, Emmanuel, where we are reflecting on the promises regarding God coming to us in Jesus.
Today, from Matthew 2 and Micah 5, we reflect on the promise of Jesus being our ruler and shepherd.
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‘After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”’ (Matthew 2:1-6)
Matthew’s reference to the fulfilment of Micah’s prophecy brings together these two statements from Micah:
‘“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”’ (Micah 5:2)
‘He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.’ (Micah 5:4)
1. A ruler from humble circumstances
We are reminded of the humble circumstance of Jesus’ birth. Creations great ‘ruler’ was born in Bethlehem, which is described as ‘small among the clans of Judah’. This is the place of King David’s birth also (1 Kings 17:12). The circumstances of David being chosen as King mirror those of Jesus. David, was overlooked and disrespected, so also Jesus’ humble human origins are not the usual path to greatness and cause many to overlook Him.
Firstly, this is an encouragement for us to receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Secondly, it’s an encouragement to see that God uses the humble and humble circumstances. This world will always have its favoured classes and we may feel excluded. However, God often works His purposes out through the overlooked and unexpected - allow this to fill you with hope and banish feelings of exclusion.
2. A shepherd of His people
We are told that this ruler from humble circumstances - born in Bethlehem - will 'stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.’ Shepherding speaks of leading and caring. We are reminded of Jesus’ description of Himself as ‘The Good Shepherd’.
‘“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”’ (John 10:11, 14-16)
Our reading today, with the inclusion of the Magi, speaks of our Good Shepherd calling people from all nations so as to make them ‘one flock and one shepherd’. How aware are you right now that Jesus is your Almighty, Good shepherd? Are you confident that He will never let His church go and will never let you go?
Let’s pray together
“Lord, I thank you that you are Almighty, but you are also my Good Shepherd. I thank you that there is no one insignificant to you. Help me to walk in your power and love and, use me to encourage others who feel little and insignificant. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
On Sunday we continued in our Christmas series entitled ‘Emmanuel - God With Us’. During this series, we are reflecting on some of the Biblical promises regarding Jesus’ coming and His work.
On Sunday, from Matthew 2:1-6, Micah 5:2, 5:4, we reflected on the journey of the Magi who came to worship Jesus.
Please read and Matthew 2:1-6, Micah 5:2, 5:4 and discuss:
Did God speak to you about anything from Sunday’s message that would encourage others?
What do the journey and the gifts of the Magi teach us about our approach to worship?
What do these prophetic words, and the inclusion of the Magi, teach us about God’s will and promise regarding international mission?
What does this prophecy tell us about the nature of Jesus and His rule over us?
SIV - Do you have any encouraging stories to share - how have you served, invested and invited?
Let’s pray together: Pray for one another out of our study together and for anything else for which people would like prayer.
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