August 19

Morning

He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth. — Mic 5:4 BSB

Christ’s reign in His Church is like that of a shepherd-king.

His reign is one of supremacy, but it’s the kind of rule that a wise and loving shepherd has over his flock, which depends on him and loves him in return. He commands and receives obedience, but it’s a willing, joyful obedience, offered by sheep who trust their Shepherd’s voice. Christ’s rule is grounded in love and sustained by goodness.

His reign is practical. Scripture says, “He will stand and shepherd His flock.” The great Head of the Church doesn’t simply sit on a throne in stillness or wield a scepter without action. He stands and shepherds. The original meaning of this word carries the idea of active shepherding—guiding, watching, protecting, restoring, tending, and feeding. Christ is always engaged in caring for His people.

His reign is continual. It’s not said that “He will shepherd now and then” or that “He will revive His Church one day and then abandon it to barrenness the next.” No, His eyes never sleep, His hands never stop working, His heart never ceases to beat with love, and His shoulders are never too weary to carry the burdens of His people.

His reign is powerful. “He will shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord.” Where Christ is, God is, and whatever Christ does is done by the power of Almighty God. What a comfort to know that the One who stands today to represent His people is fully divine! We, who are under the care of such a Shepherd, are blessed beyond measure. His humanity draws near to us, and His divinity protects us. Let us bow down and worship Him as the Shepherd of our souls.

Evening

You free me from the net laid out for me, for You are my refuge. — Ps 31:4 BSB

Our spiritual enemies are like the serpent’s brood, seeking to ensnare us with cunning. This prayer suggests that it’s possible for a believer to be trapped like a bird in a net. The fowler is so skilled in his work that even the simple can be quickly surrounded by the snares of sin. The prayer, however, asks for deliverance from these traps, which is entirely appropriate and can be granted. Eternal love can pull the believer from the jaws of the lion and even from the depths of hell. Though it may take a strong hand to rescue someone caught in the net of temptation, the Lord is more than able to do it. No net, however cleverly laid, can hold those whom God has chosen. Woe to those who skillfully lay traps for others—they will be destroyed by their own schemes.

“For You are my strength.” How sweet these words are! How confidently we can face our struggles and endure hardships when we lay hold of divine strength. God’s power will tear apart every trap set by our enemies, ruin their plots, and foil their plans. Blessed is the person who has such matchless might on their side. Our own strength is weak and insufficient, especially when we’re caught in the nets of evil, but the Lord’s strength is always available. All we have to do is call upon Him, and He will answer. If by faith we rely solely on the strength of God, we can use that trust as a plea in our prayers.

“Lord, evermore Your face we seek—
Tempted we are, and poor, and weak;
Keep us with lowly hearts, and meek.
Let us not fall. Let us not fall.”