Blessed Christmas! Rejoice! Jesus is our Peace. Jesus Christ has delivered us from our sins!
Jesus was born as human child, born of the virgin, Mary. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. He was called holy — the Son of God. Shepherds saw the new born babe Jesus. They made known to those around them. He was the promised Seed of Eve. The great dragon, that ancient serpent, also called the devil and Satan, and the deceiver of the whole world was waiting for Him. Herod the Great, worried that this Child would be king of Israel, slaughtered the innocent male babies under two years old. But it was not time for the Lamb of God to lay down His life for the sheep.
When it was time, the Lamb of God was sacrificed. As He was crucified to the Cross, He cancelled the debts of our sins. The onlookers mocked Him, saying, “…save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross”. He did not. He obeyed the Heavenly Father. He learned obedience through what He suffered. At the same time, Christ disarmed the rulers and authoritiesand put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in Him.
Christ is our Shepherd. Behold the new born King! Expect the coming King!
Human shepherds watched over their flock by day and by night. Our Shepherd watches over His people by day and night. Behold the new born King! Expect the coming King! He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms; He carries them in His bosom, and gently leads those that are with young. Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, the Great Shepherd and the Good Shepherd. He says, “Let the little children come to Me. Do not hinder them.” Also, “I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to My voice. So there will be one flock, one Shepherd.”
For our Application
The elders among you (who are they?”) – shepherd (note verbal form) the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you;not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
The younger ones among you (who are they?) – be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
All of us – Humble ourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt us, casting all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us. Be sober, be watchful – Why? Our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Do our parts to pray constantly and talk about Jesus with people whom God brings to your pathways.
For those who are continually straying – return to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.
May the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip us with everything good that we may do His will. To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Elder Yoong Yuen Soo
