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Hear the podcast here: https://anchor.fm/eradio-valverde/episodes/The-Shepherd-King-e1qr953
1 "Doom to the shepherd-leaders who butcher and scatter my sheep!" God's Decree. 2 "So here is what I, God, Israel's God, say to the shepherd-leaders who misled my people: 'You've scattered my sheep. You've driven them off. You haven't kept your eye on them. Well, let me tell you, I'm keeping my eye on you, keeping track of your criminal behavior. 3 I'll take over and gather what's left of my sheep, gather them in from all the lands where I've driven them. I'll bring them back where they belong, and they'll recover and flourish. 4 I'll set shepherd-leaders over them who will take good care of them. They won't live in fear or panic anymore. All the lost sheep rounded up!' God's Decree. 5 "Time's coming" - God's Decree - "when I'll establish a truly righteous David-Branch, A ruler who knows how to rule justly. He'll make sure of justice and keep people united. 6 In his time Judah will be secure again and Israel will live in safety. This is the name they'll give him: 'God-Who-Puts-Everything-Right.' (Jeremiah 23:1-6 The Message Bible)
If I asked you to name the top three shepherds you've ever heard of, who would they be? If I asked you to name the top three kings you've ever heard of who would they be? Would it be easier to name shepherds or kings? But Pastor, shepherds don't get the kind of press that kings get! How would I know a good shepherd? I don't know about you, but most of us might possibly name David the best shepherd, and David as the best king. Saul was king, but he was not a shepherd, and the difference showed. I believe that a shepherd has a connection with the land and with the creatures who depend on the land to survive. It is part of the shaping of a shepherd to be a true leader; and those whom God called to be kings, were blessed to have that experience. David as a boy warrior, as a heroic boy shepherd was formed to be the king he was remembered for. He learned to fight against predators in the wild, to defeat a giant, to outrun and out do the king who hated him, and whom he succeeded.
The best leaders are servant leaders; those who know the people, love the people, walk and work among the people, and seek the good for all people. Likewise, the best kings are servant kings, whose hearts are filled with love and compassion, and have a vision for the overall good of all who are part of his flock. The pages of the Bible speak of those who are shepherds at heart bur rule as kings when it comes to overseeing each lamb. As the prophet Jeremiah shares the word from God, he's reading the riot act to those kings who instead of leading their flock, butchered and scattered God's sheep. God is not pleased and declares that He would keep an eye on those shepherds, and the He himself would gather His sheep, from all corners of the world. And God shares His promises of restoration, a full recovery and prospering when gathered back where they belong, as God's sheep in God's pasture. And, God also declares that a true shepherd king is coming, one whose name will say it all, "God-Who-Puts-Everything Right."
We know this fulfillment came through and in Christ Jesus. His life, His ministry, His love was the fulfillment of God's promises as delivered through the prophets. In Christ Jesus we have found that which we need; the fullness of life.
PRAYER: Loving God, we praise and thank You for giving us Jesus as King. Make us worthy to be His loyal servants; in Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Lift high the name of Jesus Who is our King!
Receive my blessings of love and hope,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
