The Shepherd and Ruler Has Arrived

In America, being a shepherd is not a position or career a person endeavors to become, however shepherds still exist today in many parts of the world. When I was in Egypt I had the opportunity to see several shepherds at work, both male and female. These shepherds were walking with their herds keeping them safe, carrying staffs, and exercising control. A shepherd’s primary responsibility was and still is to protect their herds from predators who come out at night to attack and kill. Another characteristic of a shepherd was that they often live away from the public and in ancient times were considered outcasts from society. Most importantly, the word shepherd was a metaphor used to describe God himself and also the human rulers of Israel. In 2 Samuel 5:2, God said of King David “You shall shepherd My people Israel and be ruler over Israel.” In this verse God had just confirmed David as the new king of Israel and all the tribes of Israel had arrived to submit to his rule, but most importantly David was chosen by God to be their ruler and shepherd.

Fast forward about one thousand years to a manger in Bethlehem where a new Ruler is being born and where lowly shepherds are “staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock” (Luke 2:8). This is where God’s plan of salvation really begins to come to life in some amazing and supernatural ways. The Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world was born near flocks of sheep that were most likely used for temple sacrifices in Jerusalem to atone for the sins of Israel. However, at this Lamb’s sacrifice there would never be a need to sacrifice another lamb, he would become the final sacrificial Lamb who would atone for the sins of the world. Amazingly, God sent the angels to the shepherds first, lowly shepherds who were considered outcasts, to proclaim the birth of the Good and True Shepherd. 

Just a short distance from the shepherds and their flocks “the door of the sheep” (John 10:7) was being born into the world. The Good Shepherd who would “lay down His life for the sheep” (John 10:11) was being born into the world. As King David served as the shepherd of Israel, God Himself was now being born into flesh as His Son Jesus Christ to rule over His people forever.

What we often miss in the story of Jesus’ birth is that the shepherds had to leave the sheep in which they were entrusted to protect so they could go into Bethlehem to see the baby King. In fact the scripture says “they came in haste and found Mary and Joseph” (Luke 2:16). Just like first disciples Jesus called, the shepherds immediately left their flocks and came to Jesus. Then they made known all they had seen and heard from the angels. Translation, they took the good news to everyone who would listen.

Will you tell the world this Christmas that the Shepherd and Ruler of the world has arrived?

Jesus: Above All Names

Imagine Mary’s mindset after receiving the news that she was going to bring forth a Son, and not just any son, but the Son. She was a young teenage girl who had never been with a man, was recently engaged to a carpenter named Joseph, and would not be allowed to name her firstborn son. She was also the first person on earth to learn that the Messiah and Savior of the world would be named Jesus and be conceived inside of her womb. This Jesus would be unlike any other Jesus or Yeshua of the past or present. This was the Anointed One, this was the Christ, this was Immanuel, the was the Messiah, and this was the Lamb of God sent to take away the sin of the world. In fact, Jesus’ name revealed His purpose, He was coming to die and take upon Himself the punishment the world deserved.

The name Jesus or Joshua means Yahweh saves and God was coming to dwell with His creation in the form of His Son. Salvation was coming through the womb of a teenage girl and little did Mary know that her Son’s name would become the most admired, yet the most hated name in the world. Paul wrote that “…God has also highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” (Philippians 2:9-11). Jesus was leaving His throne in heaven and coming in human flesh. He was leaving royalty and entering into poverty. While Jesus could have used His equality with God to His advantage, He never did. Jesus was coming to take on the likeness of men and humble Himself to the point of death and He knew this even as a young toddler. Mary was overwhelmed and fearful when she conceived the baby Jesus, but was told “do not be afraid.” 

The name which is above every other name has now become a curse word. The name in which every knee will bow has been dishonored and used every minute to curse a person or problem. The name Jesus is to be hallowed and was created to be lifted up above every name on earth. Celebrate the birth of Jesus with enthusiasm, thankfulness, and with tears in your eyes. There is only one Jesus and one virgin birth, and everyone who calls on His name will be saved! 

Ministry Equals Warfare

When a person comes to Christ and surrenders, he or she are commissioned into God’s army. Christians are called to immediately to begin preparing themselves for warfare as many battles lie ahead. Believers are not called to hide from the world, they are called to engage. When Paul was writing to Timothy he specifically identified him as a soldier.  Paul wrote “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:3-4). There are some very important take a ways in this text. First, we are called to endure hardship or as some translations state, we are called to share in the suffering of Jesus Christ. Pay close attention to Paul’s words, “we must endure hardships and suffering” for the same reasons Jesus endure it all the way to the cross. Christians are transformed beings and are to respond differently than non-believers. Disciples of Christ don’t get mad when we suffer, they don’t give up and go home, nor are they to become discouraged. Paul was preparing Timothy for what was to come, because a soldier is always prepared.

Second, we are to respond like soldiers in the midst of combat. As a former soldier myself, training and testing are the foundations of readiness. Most importantly however, soldiers must know their mission, purpose, and orders or they will be lost, uncertain, and will eventually become demoralized. When a solider knows their mission and has faith in their leader they are focused and willing to lay down their lives if needed. This is why Paul prepared Timothy for his mission and focusing his eyes on the greatest leader of all time, Jesus Christ. If a soldier wasn’t pushed, challenged, and tested they would fall in defeat during the most difficult times of battle.

Do you consider yourself a soldier? Are you aware of the spiritual warfare that exists? A friend of mine just sent me an email to pray for some children in Kenya traveling by bus, because just two weeks ago a group of Muslims stopped a bus and shot 28 teachers and doctors a close range. They shot them because they were Christians, not knowing these martyrs were serving anyone and everyone who needed help, including Muslims.

Satan’s most deceptive tactic is to deprive God His glory through His disciples. Avoid the nonsense of this world and learn your marching orders from Christ. Without knowing your orders you will never be faithful to the mission of God. Claim the victory that has already been assured through the cross!

Suffering For Righteousness

Christians are pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11) journeying through a world where they are often hated and persecuted. It’s during this journey that Jesus calls His followers out of the darkness and into His light. We are confident because the true Light (Jesus) has overcome darkness (John 1:5) and He has given light to everyone (John 1:9) who believes and now we are to carry His light inside of us so we can be light in a dark world. However, Jesus also knows that when we do shine our light by living an obedient and righteous life, we will suffer. While it’s common for American believers to never suffer for their faith, very few and I mean very few are faithful about sharing the whole gospel, primarily only sharing its positive aspects. Boldness for Christ is a foreign concept for American Christians because they fear it will affect their comfortable lifestyle or cause them to suffer, which many go to great lengths to avoid. However, when suffering does come it’s a believer’s conduct that will separate them from the world. Whereas the world seeks to retaliate, the follower of Christ seeks to endure. Whereas the world seeks to curse, the follower of Christ seeks to pray for and bless. Suffering is only what God allows it to be, but He also guarantees us that we will remain in His grip and love no matter what happens to our earthly bodies.

Have you ever wondered what happen to Jesus’ disciples, well, except for John, they all suffered greatly and were eventually martyred. Matthew was stabbed to death, Peter and Simon were crucified on a cross, Bartholomew was skinned alive, Thomas’ body was pulled apart by five horses, James was beheaded, and the other James was cut in half by a sharp saw, I hope you are getting the point. These men live righteous lives in Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit, but they also suffered greatly. Why? Because they believed in an eternal hope far greater than anything they could ever experience on earth.

In Peter’s first letter to the church in Asia Minor he sought to strengthen them in the midst of their suffering. In 1 Peter 3:14, Peter writes “But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed…” First, we should never be afraid of doing what is right or fearful of the consequences that may follow our obedience to Christ. Second, so what if we suffer for righteousness? We must see suffering as a privilege and an essential part of being living sacrifices for our Lord, because when we do we are blessed. Don’t miss that, we are blessed when we suffer for righteousness. Not for sinful behavior and disobedience, but for a faithful life of serving God and doing what His Word commands.  Finally, we are told not to be afraid or disturbed because the Lord is sovereign over all of over enemies, Satan, and our circumstances.