A Shepherd King For Us
19 DECEMBER 2021 | TRADITIONAL SERVICE
Rev Lilian Ang
Scripture Passage:Micah 5:2-5a (NIV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary | From Bethlehem will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel. This prophecy is the climax of today’s passage. Who, and what kind of a promised king, is He? Micah uses the imageries of a shepherd, sheep and a woman in labour. There are three increasingly hopeful oracles (authoritative utterances) on current judgment as well as future blessings.
Micah was critical of the failings of Jerusalem’s leaders. The kingdom was in chaos and an even greater judgment was coming. Jerusalem would fall and the people scattered, but there was a hopeful theme of a Shepherd King who will re-gather the people and rule over them from Mount Zion. (Mic 4:6-7) Even in times of judgment, we can expect the gentle care of the good shepherd.
First Oracle (Mic 4:8-10): The people and Jerusalem will be restored and kingship will come. In foretelling the fall of Jerusalem, Micah also spoke of its deliverance from the hand of the enemies. Despite their humiliation, unbelief, and pain like a woman in labour, there was strength to come and an ultimate divine glory. This teaches us to fix our eyes on Jesus. Micah’s concern was to awaken the people and make them aware of the seriousness of their situation, and repent. A crisis shows that God is our true deliverer. Only God is worthy of our trust.
Second Oracle (Mic 4:11-13): Many nations had gathered against Jerusalem, but these nations did not know of God’s plan to give Judah horns of iron to drive them out. The threat and Micah’s prophecies drove King Hezekiah to repentance. God temporarily delivered Jerusalem, but they returned to their sin, and the judgment that was prophesised came on them. This teaches us to find hope in God who is greater than the crisis. Difficult experiences make us humble, show us our inadequacies and build character in us. We realise we are not masters of our fate. Judah thought it was strong, but it was ridiculed by its enemies. God will not allow His plans to be stopped and can bring triumph out of tragedy. In our difficulties, we can find lasting hope in God. God is in control of the future. Let’s trust in God’s sovereign power instead of human plans and reason. The hope Micah describes gives people reason to live joyfully.
Third Oracle (Mic 5:1-5): Judah was humiliated by the invasion. However, Micah prophesised a time of permanent triumph and greatness when the divine ruler comes. He will shepherd His flock. His greatness will reach the ends of the earth and He will be their peace. This teaches us to find help from God our Shepherd King. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps 46:1) While God may not take away the crisis, He will give us strength and guidance. He provides for His flock and protects His people. Trust will not be based on material things and false religions will be rooted out. This Shepherd King is our Prince of Peace. Do we recognise and depend on Him, or will we only go back to God after we have lost everything?
When Jesus comes again, He will rule in power and glory forever and restore His people’s hope. His house will be the high point of the world, and the streams of people flowing up to it will be largely unexpected — the lame, the lost, the losers, the last and the least. Out of insignificance will come greatness. Bethlehem will bring in the rightful ruler of the world. God pardons, forgives, delights in mercy and will not stay angry forever. Our Shepherd King is coming for us.
(Sermon Notes by Denis Koh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Micah presents a beautiful image of the Lord ruling over his people as a shepherd watches over his sheep. What does this imagery mean for your personally? Share your experience.
2. What kind of Shepherd King is presented in Micah 5:2-5a? How does that change your perspective of God and the way you respond to a crisis?
3. Recall a recent occasion when you faced a crisis. What was your immediate response to the crisis situation? How did you respond to the crisis eventually?
4. Having the blessed hope that Micah describes gives people a reason to live joyfully and to serve willingly in submission to God’s plans. Share how this is true for you. If not, how can this be a reality for you?