2023 Advent Devotional - Micah 5:4-5 (Day 4)

Micah 5:4-5 “And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace.”

A picture of “The Good Shepherd” hangs in our home.  It was a wedding gift given to my husband’s grandparents in 1917.  In 1968 after Grandpa Vogel passed away, the picture was passed down to Richard’s parents and hung in their home during his growing up years.  When my in-laws downsized and moved into a retirement home, Richard ask for the picture.  Honestly, I wasn’t  sure I wanted the large, sepia toned picture hanging in our house.  I ask Richard why he wanted to have it.  His words to me were, “it has always given me comfort and peace”. This touched my heart.  Looking at the words in Micah 5:4 help me understand why.

A good shepherd has great concern for his sheep.  He helps provide food and rest for them.  He guides them to where they need to be and he is concerned for their safety.  He talks to them and they know his voice.  They are  secure with him.

As I look at the picture today, I see the majesty and strength of the Lord.  In verse 3 of Micah 5,  it refers to the ruler, or King over Israel.  He has the power and strength to protect and care for our every need.  All of this truly does provide a since of security and peace.
 
The end of verse  5 says , “for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.” And He will be your “Peace.”   The sepia colored picture of the Good Shepherd has been in the home of 3 generations sharing the strength and majesty of King Jesus.  What a beautiful picture this is to me, of His greatness reaching to the ends of the earth.

May the gift of peace bless you this Advent!  By Carla Vogel