Partner with God

Last week we looked at the prophecy of the Messiah in Micah 5 about how a new and good Shepherd would come and “feed his flock in the strength of the Lord” (Micah 5:4). That prophecy was bookended by the vision of the end of violence and oppression (“they shall beat their swords into plowshares” - Micah 4:3) and the invitation to partner with the Shepherd Messiah by doing justice, loving mercy and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8). This week’s prophecy of the Messiah is remarkably similar.

Yesterday we looked at the prophecy in Jeremiah 23 about “the Righteous Branch” who will come to “execute justice” in the earth (Jeremiah 23:5-6). And Jeremiah’s prophecy is bookended by the same themes as the Micah prophecy: we (God’s people of all ages) are invited to participate in this justice work with our great Messiah. We shepherd alongside our Great Shepherd in doing the same things that Jesus did.

Sit with this verse today and let it challenge you. Let it comfort you. And let the Spirit use it to motivate you to join with Jesus in the renewal of all things.

I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. - Jeremiah 23:4