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?