December 20, 2023

#309 The Shepherd King: A Reflection on Cradle, Crook, and Crown

33 minutes

The first public announcement of the birth of Christ—after approximately 400 years of silence from the Old Testament to the New—went out to an odd audience of outcasts rather than rulers, priests, or even the emperor of Rome. But this was no mistake as this same occupation—shepherds—had long symbolized God’s guidance, care, and compassionate reign. Here’s why Jesus is our Shepherd King and what it means for us now.

Outline

The Shepherds

The King

The Great Shepherd

Key Takeaways:

The fanfare surrounding the birth of Louis Arthur Charles, 5th in line to the British throne in contrast to the birth of Christ, King of Kings.

The social and legal status of shepherds at the time of Christ and why the Christmas announcement went first to them.

A review of Scripture concerning shepherds and how they came to symbolize kingship and guidance and care.

Why we need Christ as our King.

Why we need Christ as our Shepherd.

The connection between Psalm 23 and Revelation 7 and 21.

Summary: Why did God send the Christmas announcement to the Shepherds? What does it mean that He is our Shepherd? It means this: Let pain and evil do its worst. Let anger, slander, and even persecution come. Let the world change, crack, and turn over again and let even death come to whisper in our ear that it is time to come home. No matter what happens, we will fear no evil. We will dread no sorrow, no loss, no terror, no night. Why? Because our Shepherd King watches over our souls; because one day sin will end, evil will be judged, suffering will be banished, and death itself will die. Christ is making all things new and right, and one day He will wipe every tear from our eyes. He is our Shepherd, and we will rest beside the living waters in his good green pasture forever. This is why the angels said to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill towards men!” This is joy. This is peace. This is Christmas. Amen.

The post #309 The Shepherd King: A Reflection on Cradle, Crook, and Crown first appeared on The Good Citizen Project.

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