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… 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. And he will be our peace. Micah 5:2, 4–5 (NIV) The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. Psalm 23:1 (NLT)
Lord Jesus, Micah’s prophecy of your coming simply adds to the long list of reasons we love and adore you. Today we’re especially moved to worship you for being the Shepherd-Savior that you are.
Having laid down your life as the Lamb of God, you’ve risen from the dead, and are now our Standing Shepherd—relentlessly caring, vigilantly protecting, and faithfully providing for us. Thank you, Jesus.
Because of your great love for us, we don’t have everything we want, but we lack nothing we need. We’re grateful it’s green pastures and quiet waters to which you are leading us, all for the restoring and refreshing of our weary souls.
For your glory and our good, you guide us along paths of righteousness and goodness, truth and grace. And even as our journey involves traveling through places marked by loss, brokenness, and death, you are with us and you are for us. Because you are Immanuel, we don’t have to be afraid of anything or anyone.
When enemies are close and threatening, you are even closer. The nearer we live to you, the more we revel in your delight and rest in your love. Even in the new heaven and new earth, you will be our Shepherd, leading us to springs of living water (Rev. 7:17).
Jesus, your greatness will “reach to the ends of the earth,” and we will live securely forever, for you are our peace—our complete forgiveness and perfect righteousness.. So very Amen we pray, in your great and gracious name.