Look at the Book. Messiah — the Shepherd & One of the sheep. Page 1

Pray that God will fill the Slavic believers with a hunger for His Word: "Desire the sincere milk of the Word" (1 Peter 2:2), and a spirit of prayer: "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Ask God to call many young men and women to serve Him sacrificially and sincerely in places of leadership. Pray that some will choose to serve in other Slavic countries as missionaries. Intercede for the Christian leadership in Eastern Europe that they will withstand the powers of darkness and remain stable in their spiritual roles.

As one scans the pages of the Holy Scriptures, the role of the shepherd appears quite frequently in many passages. His vocation was vital to the structure of society. Not only would the flock provide meat and material for clothing, but also the firstborn of the shepherd’s flock would be chosen as sacrificial offerings for the Lord.

David, the man after God's “own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14) labored as a shepherd before he became a king. And God promised him that his future heir would forever sit on the throne of Israel as the Messiah. Interestingly, the Holy Scriptures describes the Messiah as a Shepherd and as One of the Sheep.

The unraveling revelation of the Old Testament Scriptures concerning Messiah is intriguing, as well as inspiring. The Law, the Prophets and the Writings all present glimpses of that "Great One" who would be called Messiah. One such glimpse portrays Messiah as a Shepherd, for He will mirror the image of the True God, the “Shepherd of Israel” (Psalm 80:1).

Isaiah proclaims that Messiah will come as a Shepherd offering protection and provision to His flock. "Behold your God!" (Isaiah 40:9-11). With helping hand and tender touch, He will assist both young and old! David, "the sweet psalmist of Israel," acknowledges with certainty that "the Lord is my Shepherd" (Psalm 23:1). All he must endure or face must first be encountered by his Lord.

Ezekiel, likewise, contrasts God the Shepherd with the shepherds of Israel. The differences are definitely distinct, for the attention of the shepherds (leaders) of Israel was totally centered upon themselves rather than the sheep (Ezekiel 34:1-10). Clearly, God says that He "will set up One Shepherd" over Israel whose feet will follow in the footsteps of His servant, David (Ezekiel 41:11-24). When this One Shepherd appears, "a covenant of peace" will be established (Ezekiel 41:25). Surely, this peace must indicate the future reign of Messiah.

Jeremiah echoes the voice of Ezekiel, as he heralds the same message. This Anointed One will be "a righteous Branch and a King" (Jeremiah 23:5). His name will be "The Lord Our Righteousness" (Jeremiah 23:6).

Until Messiah the Good Shepherd appears, many will follow after folly, foreign gods and false shepherds (Zechariah 10:2). Because of continued refusal to return to the path of righteousness, the former covenant will be severed. "Beauty" will be banished, and the "Bands" (unifying cords) will be broken (Zechariah 11:10-17).

When the people rejected the sacred service of the Shepherd, He asked that His payment be only 30 pieces of silver — the price of a slave (Zechariah 11:12). Remarkably, they will "smite" this Man who would be the chosen Shepherd, causing the sheep to be scattered. Yet this Shepherd will return (Zechariah 13:7).

Although the sheep are scattered in so many different fields because of rebellion and sin, the True Shepherd will one day gather them as one flock (Jeremiah 31:10-12). And when they shall acknowledge their atrocities against the Shepherd, God will forgive their failures and their sins (Zechariah 12:10, 3:1; Ezekiel 20:33-44). This glimpse of Messiah as Shepherd brings hope and comfort for those who await His coming.

Another glimpse of Messiah gleaned from the pages of God's Word is the image of Messiah as One of the Sheep. "Behold the Man!"(Zechariah 6:12). Zechariah declares that the "branch" mentioned also by Jeremiah (23:5, 33:15) and Isaiah (4:2, 11:1) will one day build the temple and rule both as priest and king (Zechariah 6:12-13). The crowning of Joshua, the high priest, foreshadowed the future crowning of Messiah when He returns (Zechariah 3:6-10). But before the blessing, the prophecies clearly indicate the bruising.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

Pray that the Gospel will reach the millions in the Slavic countries that have not yet heard what Christ has done for them. Many small cities and towns still do not have an official place of worship. Ask God to help the Slavic churches be effective witnesses in their neighborhoods. Pray that souls will continue to be saved, baptized and discipled through the ministries of the church. Pray that the Holy Spirit powerfully and persistently will convict men of sin and lead many to believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.