Daily Devotional
Seek the Shepherd-King
The little town of Bethlehem gives us no little King. The ruler promised by Micah is the Shepherd of God’s people, and Peter declares that we do not follow cleverly made tales but the apostolic witness confirmed by the prophets. As Justin says, “There existed, long before this time, certain men more ancient than all those who are esteemed philosophers, both righteous and beloved by God, who spoke by the Divine Spirit, and foretold events which would take place, and which are now taking place.” Therefore the word set before us is not for admiration only, but for obedience.
Asa heard that the Lord is with those who are with Him, and he answered not with talk but with action: he removed idols, repaired the altar, and bound himself with the people to seek God. So also Peter does not permit a barren faith. We are to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. If these are absent, a man is blind though his mouth confesses Christ.
Proverbs joins this same judgment to daily conduct. God prefers justice to sacrifice, and He closes His ear to the man who closes his ear to the poor. Cyprian warns, “Whoever stops his ears that he may not hear the weak, he also shall call upon God, and there will be none to hear him. Proverbs 21:13” The Shepherd-King will not be honored by lips that pray while hands remain shut.
Then let us seek the Lord while He may be found: casting down our idols, confirming our calling by patient obedience, and showing mercy to the needy. Christ’s kingdom is sure; therefore let our lives be found steadfast when He appears.
“‘There existed, long before this time, certain men more ancient than all those who are esteemed philosophers, both righteous and beloved by God, who spoke by the Divine Spirit, and foretold events which would take place, and which are now taking place.”
— Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho
“Whoever stops his ears that he may not hear the weak, he also shall call upon God, and there will be none to hear him. Proverbs 21:13”
— Cyprian, Treatises
For Reflection & Discussion
What one idol of appetite, pride, greed, or habit will you cast down this week by a concrete act of repentance and a changed practice?
Whom will you hear and help today among the weak or needy, and what money, food, visit, or labor will you give?
Which virtue named by Peter do you lack most, and what rule of prayer, fasting, restraint, or reconciliation will you keep for the next seven days to pursue it?
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