The Good Shepherd King

By Rev. Talitha Arnold

I will raise up shepherds over them who will shepherd them, and they shall not fear any longer, or be dismayed, nor shall any be missing, says the Lord. The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. - Jeremiah 23:4-5 (NRSV)

 

In many Christian traditions, this last Sunday before Advent is “Christ the King Sunday” or “Reign of Christ Sunday,” with hymns such as “Crown Him with Many Crowns” and “Rejoice the Lord is King.” In many U.S. churches, it’s also Thanksgiving Sunday, with harvest hymns giving thanks for food, for people who tend the land, flocks, and herds, and for the One who shepherds us all. 

 

In today’s Bible passage, the prophet Jeremiah blends king and shepherd into one image of a righteous leader who gathers all the people so that none are overlooked or missing. Unlike the evil kings of his time who destroyed the flock, Jeremiah’s Good Shepherd King will deal wisely and impart justice. 

  

Given the importance of sheep in the ancient Near East, it’s not surprising that “shepherd kings” are found in Sumerian, Babylonian, and Assyrian traditions, too. Nor is it surprising that in the Gospels, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the Good Shepherd King who cares for the whole flock, searching out the lost and abandoned, and making sure all were fed and healed. The Good Shepherd King who, in the words of another hymn, “laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul” and gave his life for us sheep.

 

Perhaps this Sunday or this Thursday, and every day when we give thanks for food and health, we might also give thanks for such wondrous love as this.

 

Prayer

Good Shepherd, Life-giving Leader, thank you. Amen.