RULING WITH GENTLE POWER
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11, ESV
Theme: God could have come as a warrior King to conquer; instead, He unexpectedly arrived as a shepherd King to serve and save.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
When God stepped into a mortal world, He could have come in any form He chose. Isreal expected, and likely hoped for, a warrior king – a mighty conqueror who would overthrow Rome, silence their enemies and display undeniable power. They longed for someone who would establish a political kingdom with force and victory. But, when the Messiah arrived, He came in a most unexpected way. Not on a war horse or wearing a crown of gold. Not with a drawn sword and a powerful army. He came as a Shepherd King.
MEEK AND MILD
Shepherds were ordinary, humble, and often overlooked people. There was nothing glamourous or impressive about them. They led, protected, fed, corrected, and stayed close to their flock…sometimes at the expense of their own safety. I wonder if the Israelites had to stifle their disappointment! “Where is our warrior?” “Where is His army?”
When Jesus declared, “I am the good shepherd,” He revealed the loving heart of God. He came not to conquer nations but to win hearts. Not to crush enemies but to rescue the lost. Not to demand service but to serve. And ultimately, He came not to take life, but to lay down His own life. The warrior king people expected would have ruled with power. The Shepherd King who came instead ruled through sacrifice.
COPYCAT
Have you ever noticed small children exhibit body language, mannerisms, or speech patterns of their parents or caregivers…those they spend the most time with? They might groan when getting up off the floor, wipe their brow with a towel, or use colloquialisms atypical of their age as they see, then model, specific behavior. Christ’s “unexpected” arrival gives us an example from which to model our own behavior. There would have been a confusing inconsistency if He came to this world with fire and fury, then directed us to turn the other cheek, love our neighbor, be gentle and lowly of heart, and clothe ourselves in humility. Instead, He came, humbly, and served as the most perfect example.
“DON’T MISTAKE KINDNESS FOR WEAKNESS”
This quote always resonates with me. It’s a reminder that gentleness and strength are not mutually exclusive. One can be both self-controlled and commanding of respect. Sometimes the quietest voice at the table has others leaning forward, with rapt attention. While our world celebrates leaders who dominate, conquer, and command attention, Jesus shows us a different way – the kind of power and grace that bends low, carries burdens, and calls each sheep by his name. His power is seen not in how strongly He controls or how loudly He speaks, but how deeply He loves. His ministry exemplifies what He asks of His followers.
Make It Personal: Take comfort in this truth: You are cared for by a King who came not to overpower you, but to lead and save you. He is gentle, loving, forgiving, and kind. Jesus isn’t calling us to be warriors of conquest but witnesses of His love, servants of His kingdom, and bearers of His truth. We are to be fighters in a spiritual battle, armed not with swords but with compassion, courage, and humility.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. Thank You for coming, not in the way the world expected, but in the way we desperately needed. Help me follow Your voice, trust Your leadership, and rest in the safety of Your care. Lead me today with Your gentle strength. Amen.
Read: Matthew 20:26-28; Matthew 5:9; Philippians 2:3-5; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5-6
Weekly Memory Verse: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11, ESV