Scripture
Like a shepherd taking care of his sheep this ruler will lead and care for his people by the power and glorious name of the Lord his God.
Observation
The people of Israel would have recognised this as a promise of God to restore the line of David.
Bethlehem, though insignificant in human terms, was the town of David. The ruler would come from there, tracing his lineage to ancient times. His arrival would signify a new period of freedom for Israel.
We see this as a fore-telling of the coming of Jesus, God's promised Messiah.
Application
The kind of leader that God establishes and approves is:
* a shepherd who cares for his sheep
* gentle in nature, yet able to defend the people from predators
* leads the way, setting the example for others, rather than demanding “you must”
* leads by the power of God. True leaders recognise they are there by God's grace and they look to Him to direct them
* leads in the name of the Lord. The leader God approves recognises they are accountable to God and are doing it for God's glory not their own
Prayer
Father, in whatever way I lead, teach, advise or direct others today, let me do so in the power and authority of your glorious name. Amen.
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