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Tuesday (Day 3)

VERSES: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, John 10:10-14

Yesterday, we saw that through Boaz, Ruth was redeemed and had children. One of her children was a man named Obed. In due time, Obed married and had a son named Jesse. And, years later, Jesse married and had several sons, one of whom was named David. That’s right, King David was born in Bethlehem and was Boaz and Ruth’s great grandson.

But, when David was born, he was not born in a palace. Certainly God had plans for David, as it was God’s idea to anoint David as King (David did not apply for the job!), yet David did not begin in royalty, he began on a farm. There, tending sheep, David learned how to shepherd, and God would use that experience to guide and care for Israel after David ultimately (through God-ordained events) ascends to the throne.

David was not the tallest or oldest of Jesse’s sons, but God saw in the heart of the one tending the sheep in their stables a King.

One thousand years after the time of King David, another King was born in Bethlehem. This King was more than simply the King of Israel, He was the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. As David’s descendent, Jesus had a rightful claim to the throne, and as the Son of God, He would have a Kingdom that would know no end.

Jesus would be called the “Good Shepherd” who cares for His sheep. As King, He reigns on high, and as the Good Shepherd, He guides and cares for us, His sheep.

Bethlehem is the town of the Shepherd Kings. What an amazing combination! Jesus is mighty and He is gentle. He reigns over all and cares for the least of these. Will you find your home in Him this holiday season?